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Liverpool have told Barcelona that Philippe Coutinho is not for sale - at any price.

Reports in the Spanish press have suggested that the Reds were in advanced talks with the Catalan giants on a possible deal for their Brazilian talisman this summer.

But the ECHO understands that Liverpool will not countenance a move whatever the offer and indeed Barcelona were informed of that position several months ago.

Coutinho only signed a new five year deal at Anfield in January and the Reds enjoy a good relationship with the player and his agent Kia Joorabchian.

Crucially both the player and his representative believe his long term future is at Anfield - a view very much shared by the Reds hierarchy.

No talks with Barcelona have taken place over Coutinho and none will happen.

A string of Brazilian legends have queued up recently to pay tribute to Coutinho, who scored for his country during the last international break in March.

Neymar Jnr has seemingly been leading the charm offensive to try to lure him to join him at the Nou Camp while former Middlesbrough striker Juninho named Coutinho and Neymar as the finest Brazilian players in the world at the moment.

Liverpool’s number 10 became the record Brazilian scorer in the Premier League era with his goal against Stoke, his 30 strikes taking him one ahead of Juninho.

His recent return to form has once again seen him become a target for speculation but Jurgen Klopp is relaxed about such links and sees them only as a by-product of his player’s excellent form.

He is convinced that Coutinho wants to be part of his project at Liverpool for the next few years.

Klopp said: “Actually, I think it’s positive when there is interest. It shows it’s good. I am not concerned because I think Phil fits really well and comfortably here.

“He had a difficult time with injury, coming back fighting for shape, I would say. That’s normal. In the last three games, you can see immediately, when he is in a little bit of shape, how big the difference is he can have in a game.

“That’s wonderful for us. I am not concerned, actually, because we give the boys enough perspective that they really want to be part of this for the next few years.”

Coutinho himself has seemed energised by his recent return to Brazil and has scored in his last three games against Everton, Bournemouth and Stoke.

A goal against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday would be the first time he has ever scored in four successive games for the Reds.

The player himself couldn’t have been much clearer in January when he signed that new deal, which doubled his wages to around £150,000 per week and made him Liverpool’s highest paid player.

He said: “I signed this new contract to stay here for a few more years because it’s a great honour for me.

“ It gives me great happiness because I was welcomed here with open arms by everyone at the club and the supporters right from my first day. I am very thankful to this football club for everything.”

After returning from an ankle injury, Coutinho took time to regain his form but has now staken his season’s tally to 10 goals, with his nine in the Premier League his best ever return.