Steven Gerrard: 'Philippe Coutinho will have to create a war to leave Liverpool'

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has claimed that Philippe Coutinho will only seal a move to Barcelona if he creates a "war".

The Brazilian is believed to be wanted by the Spanish giants following the £200m departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.

Reports have claimed that Coutinho wants to move to Camp Nou, but will not force an exit if Liverpool are unwilling to sell.

As it stands, the Merseyside outfit do not seem to be entertaining any offers, having rejected a £72m bid and another in the region of £80m.

A group of club directors from Barcelona reportedly touched down in England yesterday to hold talks over a possible deal, which could cost up to £120m.

Gerrard understands why Coutinho wants to move having witnessed the likes of Javier Mascherano and Luis Suarez make the same transfer, but the retired midfielder is 'praying' that the playmaker stays at Anfield.

"It's a dream for these South American players," The Mirror quotes Gerrard as saying. "I've experienced it before - both as a fan and player - with Mascherano and Suarez. It is a very difficult situation for the club to be in.

"The good thing from Liverpool's point of view is that the manager is desperate to keep hold of him and the owners want him to stay. This is not a situation where Liverpool need money or need to cash in. We are not a selling club so they will do everything in their powers for him to stay.

"But it comes down to Philippe Coutinho and his decision, what he is prepared to do, what type of war he is going to create to get out because Liverpool won't make it easy for him. I pray he [stays] at Liverpool."

Coutinho joined Liverpool from Inter Milan in 2013.