Steven Gerrard has pleaded with Liverpool not to sell Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona this summer, The Sport Review reports.
The Brazilian’s future at Anfield has been a relentless source of speculation this summer, with the Spanish club thought to be keen on bringing him to Camp Nou as a replacement for Neymar.
However, Klopp has been resolute in his stance when publicly questioned about the 25-year-old’s future, insisting that the Reds have no intention of selling him this summer.
Liverpool can have the final say in the transfer saga, as Coutinho put pen to paper on a new five-year contract with the Merseyside outfit back in January.
Now, Liverpool legend Gerrard has waded into the debate about Coutinho’s future by insisting that the Reds are under no pressure to cash-in on the midfielder this summer.
Speaking on BT Sport on Tuesday night, Gerrard said: “This is not a situation where Liverpool need money or need to cash in.
“We are not a selling club so they will do everything in their powers for him to stay.
“But it comes down to Phillippe Coutinho and his decision, what he is prepared to do, what type of war he is going to create to get out because Liverpool won’t make it easy for him.
“I pray he is at Liverpool [at the end of transfer window].”
Liverpool are currently preparing for their Premier League opener against Watford on Saturday lunchtime as they look to begin the season with three points.
The Reds will take on German side Hoffenheim in the Champions League play-off round next week as they look to book their place in the group stage of Europe’s elite club competition.
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