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Jurgen Klopp’s first big task at Liverpool will be to hang on to Philippe Coutinho after Manchester City renewed their interest in the Samba star.

City lured Raheem Sterling away from Liverpool in the summer for £49million and now have their sights on Coutinho - as we first told you in April.

The league-leading Blues see the Brazil international as the perfect long-term replacement for David Silva in the No 10 playmaker role.

Silva turns 30 in January and City have identified Coutinho, 23, as one of their top targets as they begin drawing up their hitlist for 2016.

The Blues have proved they are prepared to spend big to get who they want and the bidding for Coutinho will start at around £50million because he signed a long-term deal at Anfield in February.

(Image: REUTERS/Andrew Yates)

Liverpool and their incoming boss Klopp face a real fight to keep the talented South American, with European champions Barcelona also eyeing him up.

City and Barca can offer Coutinho the platform to fulfil his footballing ambitions, as Liverpool look set to once again struggle to finish in the Champions League places.

Coutinho has only had one Champions League campaign since joining from Inter Milan in 2013, and his pal and compatriot David Luiz says he will not want to miss out again next season.

(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty)

Paris Saint-Germain defender Luiz claimed last week that Coutinho could quit Anfield this summer — and predicts ALL of Europe’s top clubs would want him if he looks to move.

“Coutinho made the choice to stay at Liverpool without Champions League football this season,” said former Chelsea star Luiz. “I don’t think he will make that choice again.

“If Liverpool don’t qualify this season for the Champions League, I am sure he will be the most in-demand player in Europe next summer.

“Already Barcelona are interested, but we can expect more clubs than that. Any club would want him.”

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