Jurgen Klopp Rules out Sale of Philippe Coutinho Amid Barcelona Bid Rumours

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that Philippe Coutinho is not for sale after the Reds turned down a £72 million bid for the Brazilian from Barcelona. 

Per ESPN FC's Glenn Price, he said: 

"Yes [he is not for sale]. But that's not since this morning or yesterday, it's not been any different. Phil is a very important player for us.

"He's trying to get back his rhythm but there's no doubt about his quality. He's very smart both offensively and defensively.

"The nice news is that he's still young. He has improved a lot since I've been here and he can still improve a lot."

According to Price, sources have confirmed Liverpool have also contacted Barcelona to inform them their stance will remain the same no matter the price offered.

Goal's Melissa Reddy relayed further comments from Klopp reiterating the club would not part with their biggest stars:

Meanwhile, Liverpool writers Leanne Prescott and Joel Rabinowitz believe the Blaugrana's reported bid was far below what Coutinho is worth in their eyes:

"

Answers ranging from £100m-200m. I'd say £150m is probably about right. Even then, I wouldn't entertain it this summer.

— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) July 21, 2017"

The 25-year-old has developed into the Reds' most important player, and he is relied on not only for goals but also to act as the team's playmaker.

Per Squawka Football, he has contributed goals and assists almost in equal measure during his four years at Anfield in the Premier League:

Coutinho typically operates from the left, but following Mohamed Salah's arrival, his future may lie in central midfield, where he can pull the strings even more behind a fluid front three that will also include Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

He operated in that role after coming on as a substitute against Crystal Palace in the Premier League Asia Trophy on Wednesday, albeit he was playing in a much-changed friendly side.

Given the strength of Barcelona's front three and the relative weakness of their midfield, it's likely he would be tasked with playing there were he to make the switch to the Camp Nou.

It was a substantial opening offer from the Catalan giants, but it does not appear to have tested Liverpool's resolve, so Barcelona may have to look elsewhere to improve their squad this summer.