Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has attempted to distance star player Philippe Coutinho from the transfer rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona.

The 24-year-old Brazilian has been in sensational form for club and country this season but was forced onto the sidelines by a serious ankle ligament injury. Despite a seven-week absence, speculation has continued to suggest that Luis Enrique is ready to pounce for the Liverpool star.

‘We never had any ideas or plans or any talks about him leaving, because he is our player,’ said Klopp, ahead of the EFL Cup tie against Southampton on Wednesday.

‘There are no other ideas, nothing has changed.’

Klopp continued: ‘It would be nice if big clubs thought like this and forgot about a player completely because he’s been injured for five or six weeks.

‘But big clubs don’t think this way unfortunately.

‘It was not a big injury so there was no question of him not being the same player afterwards.’

Liverpool’s visit to Southampton on Wednesday for the EFL Cup semi-final first leg is a match that might come too soon for the Merseyside magician to play a full role in especially considering Sunday’s clash against rivals Manchester United.

‘The time [between games] is not long enough for him to be 100% for Manchester United but he could play,’ revealed Klopp.

‘We have spoken before about there being a difference between being fit and being match-fit but of course, it’s Phil, so we want to try everything we can to bring him as close as possible to his 100%.

‘In this moment I would say it makes sense for him to be involved against Southampton, in the squad, and we will see what happens there – whether we have to use him or not or whatever. If not, we have another three days to prepare him for United.

‘A few minutes for him does make sense. We will see if he’s ready tomorrow and on Wednesday morning. Then we will make the decision.’

Manchester United host Liverpool on Sunday at Old Trafford. The match kicks off at 18:00.