Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has issued a “hands off” warning to Barcelona and any other club wanting to sign playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazil international’s form has been impressive this season and 10 Premier League goals represent his best return in the top flight since arriving in England in January 2013.
He has constantly been linked with a move to Barcelona, who are looking to overhaul their squad with the departure of Luis Enrique this summer.
And only this week one Catalan newspaper claimed an agreement had already been reached between the club and the player.
However, the 24-year-old only signed a new five-year contract in January, with wages of £150,000 a week making him the club’s top earner, and that gives Klopp confidence.
“When did he sign his new contract?” said the German when asked about the interest in Coutinho, jokingly adding: “With a £400 million clause!”
He added: “There are absolutely no plans [to sell]. What our owners say is there is the absolute opportunity not to sell anybody if we do not want to.
“That means we can bring in others players and it is a good situation. We have a stable squad with a good basis.
“We want to bring a few in with fresh blood, but nobody will leave us without our say so I am completely relaxed about this.”
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