Liverpool have no intention of selling Philippe Coutinho in January, unless boss Jurgen Klopp sanctions it.

The 25-year-old tried to force through a move to Barcelona in the summer and requested a transfer, but even a bid of over £100million was not enough for Liverpool to sell.

Barca have confirmed that they are ready to return in the New Year, with their chief executive Oscar Grau saying: “We are ready to sign Coutinho or any other player the technical staff request in the winter window.

“We want to have the most competitive squad possible. The club will be sustainable, we don’t want losses. If that is the case, we will look for means to generate income.”

Football INDEX Watch – PHILIPPE COUTINHO – £4.58 – surely has plenty of value left in him

Despite Barca’s interest remaining, the answer from Anfield is set to be the same – unless Reds boss Klopp changes his stance.

Sources have told me that Liverpool’s hierarchy will rebuff any new Barca bids, as long as Klopp maintains that he is a part of his first-team plans – should the German decide he no longer needs him or is willing to let him leave, a deal could be struck.

Bookmakers certainly think that moving to Barca is a possibility, and rate him at 3/1 to be switching to the Nou Camp – but he is odds-on to remain.

“So Philippe appear to be putting the ‘out’ into Coutinho, as rumours swirl of a January exit to Barcelona,” said PaddyPower spokesman Phil Price.

“With Liverpool’s title challenge lagging, and Barcelona still keen on the Brazilian, it looks to be getting more and more likely a deal.

“Though I’d still bet on a summer switch.”

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