It was reported that Barcelona had enquired about taking the Brazilian to the Nou Camp in January, only to be told that he would command a €145million (£128m) fee.

The La Liga giants chased Coutinho all summer with their bids rising up to £118m, and the midfielder even tried to force through the move himself.

But Liverpool held firm on their valuation of him and as it was not met kept hold of their star asset.

The latest reports were put to Klopp in his pre-match press conference ahead of today’s clash with Brighton (3pm).

But the German laughed off suggestions that the club have given Barcelona a quotation for the 25-year-old. 

“Named a price? Interesting,” Klopp said laughing.

“There is absolutely nothing to say about this. Of course Phil is still essential for us.

“Should we stop thinking about him in the moment just because there are more stories about him in the newspapers in Spain?”

However, Klopp did reveal that he could lose up to two players when the transfer market reopens.

Striker Daniel Sturridge is thought to want to leave Anfield on loan in search of regular football.

But nothing is yet set in concrete and the Reds boss is unsure exactly which players will depart. 

“Maybe one or two players will tell me they want to make a move and go somewhere else,” Klopp added. 

“If that happens then we would have to consider that and make our decisions.

“As long as we have the opportunity to do something (sign someone) then we should think about it.”