Liverpool Transfer News: Philippe Coutinho Contract Talks Amid Barcelona Rumours

Liverpool have reportedly begun negotiations with Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho over a new deal that will not include a buyout clause. 

According to the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce, the contract "will reflect both his importance and influence" at Anfield.

The playmaker arrived at Liverpool from Inter Milan in 2013 and is perhaps the Reds' most influential player.

Coutinho has been in strong form this season despite it being disrupted by injury. He has racked up six goals and seven assists in 18 matches in all competitions.

The Brazilian recently made his return from an ankle ligament problem and set about showing his quality immediately, per Squawka Football:

The Liverpool star is known for his ability to create moments of magic—he can often turn a game on its head with a sensational strike from 30 yards or a mazy run through the opposition's defence.

While in the past Coutinho had struggled to show his talents consistently—it would not be uncommon for him to be anonymous in the matches between his occasional flash of genius—it appeared as though he had added some degree of consistency to his game prior to getting injured.

Producing match-winning contributions each week is a double-edged sword—it will make him even more important to the Reds and an even more enticing prospect to the likes of Barcelona.

The 24-year-old is also crucial to Liverpool for the effect he has on his team-mates, as noted by Empire of the Kop:

Coutinho's current deal will keep him at Anfield until 2020, but securing him on an even longer contract makes sound business sense.

With Jurgen Klopp in charge, winning the Premier League title in the coming years seems a realistic goal for the club, and players like Coutinho will help them do that.

It will also put them in a strong negotiating position should Barca attempt to pursue him, and without a release clause, it's in the Merseyside club's hands as to how much they will accept for his services.