Liverpool 'make last attempt to keep Philippe Coutinho'

Liverpool have reportedly made one final attempt to keep Philippe Coutinho at Anfield.

Barcelona have been strongly linked with Coutinho since the closing weeks of the summer transfer window and although Liverpool were able to retain his services for the first half of the campaign, it has been suggested that the Catalan giants are closing in on a big-money transfer in January.

The 25-year-old is said to have already chosen his shirt number at Camp Nou but according to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are still trying to persuade the playmaker to remain at Anfield.

The report says that boss Jurgen Klopp is prepared to offer Coutinho the captain's armband, while a new contract has also been suggested, despite Coutinho still having four and a half years left on his current deal.

However, the midfielder is said to have his heart set on a move to the La Liga leaders, and there is every expectancy that a transfer will be completed before the end of the month.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has claimed that his former club would be taking "a big risk" if they sell Coutinho midway through the campaign.