Liverpool say that they will not sell Coutinho no matter the fee

Jürgen Klopp was due to hold a meeting with Philippe Coutinho last night to tell the player he will not be allowed to leave Liverpool this summer as the club seek to deflect interest from Barcelona.

The manager was expected to speak to the midfielder at the club’s pre- season base in Hong Kong. The Catalan club had a £72 million bid for the Brazilian rejected on Thursday evening. The size of that initial offer reflects the seriousness of Barcelona’s pursuit of Coutinho and their determination to secure a player they have earmarked as the heir apparent to Andrés Iniesta. It is unlikely to be a final gambit.

While Coutinho is happy at Liverpool, having signed a five-year contract in January which makes him the