Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona: Liverpool to make transfer impossible

In January, Coutinho signed a new five-year contract keeping him at Anfield until 2022 in a bid to ward off any potential interest.

But Coutinho has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona this summer and Liverpool already rejected a £72million offer from them earlier this month.

However, the Catalans are reportedly ready to test Liverpool's resolve with an increased bid for the Brazilian despite Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insisting his midfield star won't be leaving the club.

And according to Spanish newspaper AS, Liverpool are prepared to 'make it practically impossible' for Barcelona to sign Coutinho.

The report claims that while Coutinho would 'jump at the chance' to join Barcelona, his importance to Liverpool means a deal could be economically unviable.

Earlier today former Reds striker Dean Saunders said he reckons if Coutinho did leave, Klopp should replace him with Manchester United's Juan Mata.

He told talkSPORT: "[If they can get]£100million, sell him.

"For me, he’s replaceable. You could sign Isco for £30million. He’s not going to get a game at Real Madrid.

"Juan Mata, Gylfi Sigurdsson - there are players you could sign to replace Coutinho."