Roberto Firmino doesn’t want to see Philippe Coutinho leave (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has told the club that letting Philippe Coutinho seal a transfer to Barcelona would be ‘awful’ for their prospects as speculation over his future intensifies.

The Brazilian playmaker has been left out of the Reds’ squad for the Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim, sparking further talk that a move to the Nou Camp could be imminent.

Barca are desperate for big signings after losing Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, and will have plenty to spend after the French giants triggered his £199million buy-out clause.

Still, Firmino is desperate for Coutinho to stay at Liverpool, who may be caving on selling their star player despite Jurgen Klopp’s protestations.

Coutinho and Firmino are key members of Liverpool’s attack (Picture: Getty)
Coutinho is a big-money target for Barcelona (Picture: Getty)

‘I prefer to not think of this (Coutinho leaving) because it would be awful. He’s a great player but also a great friend to me,’ Firmino said.

‘It is normal that great teams are interested in his football but my concentration is now on the team.’

Coutinho and Firmino have shone in Liverpool’s attack during their time playing together, and have also played together on the international stage for Brazil.

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The World Cup is now in Firmino’s sights, and he insists that playing well for his club to make it to the tournament is his main focus despite speculation over Coutinho.

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‘My objective is to win cups with Liverpool so I can enter the history of this club,’ he said.

‘This season is a special season because it is World Cup season. From childhood, I had the dream to play the World Cup.

‘To be selected to the World Cup, I need to have my best season with Liverpool. Tite is a coach who rewards hard work at clubs.’

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