The Reds are battling to keep the player out of the clutches of Barcelona who have failed with bids of £72m and £90m so far this summer.
Coutinho wants to move to the Nou Camp and slapped down a transfer request last week.
Despite the player pushing to go, former Anfield hero Steve McManaman thinks Liverpool can keep the Brazilian on board for another year at least.
Comparing the Coutinho situation to Manchester United’s battle to keep Cristiano Ronaldo from joining Real Madrid in 2008 and Liverpool fighting to keep Luis Suarez in 2013, McManaman said on BT Sport: “Ronaldo stayed for an extra year, Suarez stayed for another (year).
"I think Liverpool would accept that Philippe Coutinho could go next year.
“But I just think the timing is really, really bad.
“It all depends on the individual.
“I think Coutinho is a great professional, I think he’s got a great relationship with the people in Liverpool and I think that will remain the same if he stays.
“I think it’s different to (Borussia Dortmund star Ousmane) Dembele not turning up for training.
“I think they can easily keep him and it won’t affect him too much.”
Coutinho has missed Liverpool's first two games this season through injury.
He's been working on his own this week at the club's Melwood training ground while his team-mates jetted to Germany for their Champions League play-off clash with Hoffenheim.
Liverpool are next in action against Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday (3pm).
