Liverpool are keen to offer Philippe Coutinho a new deal at Anfield, in a bid to ward off interest from other clubs, according to Spanish media outletSport.
The Brazilian has been in sensational form this season and has established himself as the Reds' most important player having already scored and assisted several goals since the campaign began.
💬 High praise from Dejan Lovren for @Phil_Coutinho! pic.twitter.com/VY5FbZCPqY
Numerous pundits have long suggested that Coutinho holds the key to any title challenge that Liverpool mount this season and the club are now desperate to reward their talisman with a new contract, that could make him the highest paid player at Anfield.
Coutinho only signed a contract extension last season which means his current deal runs until 2020, but officials at Anfield feel a new deal may be required to keep him at the club.
With his rapid rise in the last year or so, Coutinho has continually been linked with a big money move to Barcelona and speculation has intensified after recentreportssuggested that the Brazilian is eyeing a move to the Nou Camp in the near future.
6 - Philippe Coutinho has assisted twice in a PL game on six occasions since debuting; no player has done so more often in that time. Magic. pic.twitter.com/6vgkIF8uyU
Whilst the Catalan's need for Coutinho's services are questionable, considering they have a front three of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, it is unlikely to deter them from wanting the Brazilian at the club.
Liverpool will be hoping they can convince their man to remain with themand that he candemonstrate his commitment by signing a new deal, which would at least allow them to increase the player'sbuy-out clause.
Whilst theclub can take solace in their recent good form and the fact that an increase in wages may help persuade the winger, the decision will ultimately lie with Coutinho.
If he rejects a new potential deal, then it could be the clearest indication yet that he is holding out for a move to Barcelona in the coming transfer windows.