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Liverpool remain adamant that Philippe Coutinho is staying put as the Brazilian battles to prove his fitness in time for Saturday’s Premier League opener at Watford.

Senior Anfield officials have rubbished reports in Spain that the Reds are involved in negotiations with a delegation from Barcelona who flew into the UK today.

Liverpool insist there are no talks because their position remains unchanged that Coutinho isn’t for sale at any price during the current window.

Coutinho reported back to Melwood as planned on Tuesday after Jurgen Klopp gave his squad two days off following Saturday’s 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

The 25-year-old didn’t train with his team-mates as he continues to have treatment on the sore back which forced him to sit out the trip to Dublin.

There are no issues or concerns about Coutinho’s attitude around the club. He has been fully committed in training during pre-season and shone in the wins over Hertha Berlin and Bayern Munich, but has been sidelined since a back issue flared up during last week’s Audi Cup.

The ECHO understands that Coutinho would accept the chance to join Barcelona if a fee was agreed between the clubs. However, he has been informed by Klopp that won’t happen and has since shown no signs of agitating for a move.

As it stands Coutinho appears unlikely to submit a written transfer request. He doesn’t want to disrespect Liverpool who gave him the platform to really launch his career in Europe four-and-a-half years ago after a frustrating spell at Inter Milan.

Reports in the Catalan media claimed that owners Fenway Sports Group had approved the sale of Coutinho with Barcelona prepared to pay £100million in order to force through a deal in time for him to make his debut against Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercup on Sunday.

Barcelona are flush with cash following the £200million sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain but Liverpool insist they will have to look elsewhere for a replacement. Coutinho is under contract until 2022 and doesn’t have a release clause.