Jurgen Klopp on Nike's Philippe Coutinho Advert: 'I Couldn't Be Less Interested'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has rubbished a Nike advert that hinted star man Philippe Coutinho could be on his way to Barcelona. 

The Brazilian playmaker has long been linked with the Blaugrana and was the subject of three bids from the Catalans last summer, but Klopp said he has no interest in the latest twist in the tale, per Neil Jones in the Liverpool Echo: "I heard about it. I can't tell you about it, though, because for different reasons I couldn't be less interested in anything in the world. But somebody told me, and I thought 'wow! Top story.'"

At the weekend, a promotion appeared on Nike's website that declared: "Philippe Coutinho is ready to light up Camp Nou."

Nike is Barcelona's kit manufacturer and also has a personal sponsorship deal with the Brazilian.

As noted by the Echo's Kristian Walsh, though, it was not possible to buy a Coutinho kit from the sportswear company's site:

Rumours have continued to circulate since the summer that Barcelona would return for Coutinho, 25, in the January transfer window, which is now open.

The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe recently reported only an "astronomical" fee would see the former Inter Milan man depart Anfield for Barcelona.

It would be a huge blow for Liverpool were they to lose their No. 10. It is little surprise Barca are still interested in snapping him up as he is enjoying a successful 2017-18 season.

He has netted seven goals and provided six assists in 14 Premier League appearances so far this term.

Along with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, Coutinho is part of arguably the best attacking unit in the English top flight.

Klopp's lack of concern about Nike's apparent blunder—the promotion on its site was swiftly removed—should ease fears from Reds fans that there was substance to the story.

But it remains a possibility Coutinho could depart Anfield during January, and rumours linking him to Barca will endure.