Transfer Centre

Jurgen Klopp: 'Keeping Philippe Coutinho Liverpool's best business'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 18 July 2017

Klopp: 'Keeping Coutinho our best business'

Jurgen Klopp believes that keeping hold of playmaker Philippe Coutinho this summer is "the best news" for Liverpool, rather than bringing in any potential new signings.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suggested that keeping Philippe Coutinho at the club this summer is more important than any incoming activity.

The Brazil international is understood to be a transfer target for both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom could be willing to spend big to land his signature before the window closes.

Klopp is unwilling to cash in on his star playmaker ahead of the new campaign, however, insisting that he is now only focused on strengthening his squad with the arrival of some new players over the next five weeks.

"Not with only Phil, but it's a good thing to talk about in the transfer window because the world thinks improving is only about bringing in new players," he told reporters. "Nobody thinks that the players we already have will make the next step, which is also a nice idea.

"We use the transfer window, of course, because it gives us an opportunity, but the main thing I think about is how we can make the next step with the players we had last season.

"The good news is we didn't lose - and we will not lose - a player we want to keep this summer. That's the best news actually and then we'll see who can bring into the squad. I expect a lot of progress from the players based on their experiences from the last years."

Coutinho, who is a part of the Reds' squad for their Far East tour this week, scored 13 goals and set up a further seven in the Premier League last season.