Liverpool transfer news: Philippe Coutinho told who to play for by Brazil boss Tite

Coutinho has been pursued by Barcelona all summer but Liverpool are refusing to sell.

He has not played for Liverpool this season because of injury - but Brazil still called him up for their World Cup qualifier tonight against Ecuador.

Tite has defended Brazil's decision and revealed he'd offered advise to the player.

He said: "I told him (Coutinho) that I want him to go wherever he feels happy

"The Brazilian team doctor has spoken to Liverpool's doctor and our director with their directors.

“I haven't been in touch because I don't speak English.

“I haven't been in touch because I don't speak English.

"We are not going to take any risks but, on the other hand, we are not going to do without him in the squad."

The transfer window closes at 11pm in England and in most other European countries, while in Spain it’s Friday.

Time has complained that transfer speculation has hampered the national squad's preparations for tonight’s clash.

"It affects us and it will continue affecting us until the end," said Tite, whose side have already qualified for the World Cup finals.

"It affects the players emotionally. It also affects the coach, who has to take into consideration situations which are nothing to do with the field of play."

Tite's comments chimed with the thoughts of Italy coach Giampiero Ventura, who said this week that the uncertainties caused by the transfer window had hampered his preparations for Italy's key World Cup qualifier against Spain.