Liverpool have reportedly open talks with their influential midfielder Philippe Coutinho over a new long term contract to ward off interests from clubs like Barcelona.
The Brazilian playmaker is an important member of the Reds squad and prior his injury in November he formed a formidable partnership with fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino and Saido Mane in the Reds attack. His absence was felt as Liverpool slide from the first position on the league table to fourth.
Jurgen Klopp had built his side attack around the Brazil international, who arrived on Merseyside in 2013 for £8.5million from Inter Milan, and it was instrumental to their foray to the top of the table and they were strong favourites for the title until the latter’s injury.
His stellar performances haven’t gone unnoticed and have attracted the attention of top clubs, including Barcelona who has maintained growing interest of signing the 24-year-old. Liverpool have lost top players to big clubs recently and also considering the fact he is a close pal of former Red forward Luis Suarez who now plays for Barca.
Liverpool are aware of this and are not ready to lose their star player and despite signing a new five- year contract as recent as 2015 which expires in 2020, the club are ready to renew it again. He has scored six goals and provided seven assists for the team and has emerged one of the best players in the Premier League.
There have been calls from some quarters that he should made the switch to the Nou Camp but he has reiterated his desire to remain at Anfield while Klopp has also maintained that he is not for sale.