Liverpool hold ground on Coutinho stance as Barcelona lodge €80m offer

Premier League side Liverpool have rejected a €80 million approach from Barcelona for their star man Philippe Coutinho.

Daily Mail and ESPN were the first ones to report of an offer being made for the Liverpool midfield maestro but the Reds have been rather quick with their response, reiterating the Brazil international would not be allowed to leave under any circumstances.

Having failed in their attempt to land Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain, the Catalan giants are said to have turned their attention to the Liverpool star who is eyed as a natural heir to Andres Iniesta.

Coutinho signed a new deal with Liverpool last season and is expected to remain at Anfield until 2022 with Liverpool fully confident the 25-year-old star will not be distracted by Barca interest.

Former Inter Milan player Philippe Coutinho has emerged as the single most valuable player for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp and is expected to be an integral part of the team as Red prepare to get back to the Champions League stage next season.