Philippe Coutinho has been announced on this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist.

After 20 of the 30 nominees have been announced the Brazilian join N’Golo Kante, Harry Kane, David De Gea, Sadio Mane and Kevin de Bruyne from the Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are both expected to be included with the Real Madrid man the overwhelming favourite to take the award.

Coutinho impressed for Liverpool last season, netting 14 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions.

The 25-year-old was wanted by Barcelona this summer to replace Neymar following his world-record move to Paris St-Germain.

However, Liverpool stayed strong and resisted selling Coutinho to the La Liga giants.

Martin Atkinson has been announced as the referee for Liverpool against Manchester United this weekend.

The Premier League returns with Jose Mourinho’s side travelling to Anfield at 12.30pm on Saturday.

The last time Atkinson took charge of the fixture he sent off Steven Gerrard after just 38 seconds.

Juan Mata went on to score a memorable winner for United against their arch rivals.

Alan Shearer does not believe Liverpool have improved at all with Jurgen Klopp as their manager.

He explained to The Sun: “It is two years since Jurgen Klopp took charge with Liverpool lying tenth after eight games of the 2015-16 season.

“Today they sit seventh after seven games — hardly giant strides.

“Two cup finals, both of which they lost, and a return to the Champions League can be put on Klopp’s CV.

“But really they have not improved since the day he took over.

“He has a win rate of 49.5 per cent, which is less than Brendan Rodgers and also less than David Moyes when United sacked him.

“Defeat to their bitterest rivals on Saturday, however, will be a lot more damaging than merely the effect it will have on personal statistics.”