Losing Philippe Coutinho would be a 'kick in the nuts' for Jurgen Klopp, according to Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.
The Brazilian has been the subject of a €80m bid from Barcelona, which the Reds quickly rejected.
The Blaugrana see Coutinho as the ideal replacement for Andreas Iniesta, but Fowler insists his former club must hold on to the 24-year old.
"If I'm honest, I don't even think a ridiculous bid will persuade Liverpool to sell this summer, not after their manager has said so staunchly he will not let his best players go," Fowler wrote in his weekly column in the Mirror.
"That would be a kick in the nuts to Jurgen, and you'd have to be a brave man to do that!
"I can understand why other clubs would now be interested in Coutinho. I've always admired his talent, but often used to wonder if he could ever deliver it consistently in the Premier League or on the biggest stage.
"Last season he answered those questions. He's shown the consistency that was lacking, he's a staple for club and country now and, not only that, he's a player opponents fear."
Source: tribalfootball.com