Philippe Coutinho has held talks with Jordan Henderson but cannot be persuaded to snub Barcelona, insists Liverpool captain
England star says everyone at Anfield wants the Brazilian to remain after he stunned the club with a transfer request
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JORDAN HENDERSON admits he cannot persuade Philippe Coutinho to stay at Liverpool.
The Brazilian is trying to force a move to Barcelona after handing in a transfer request.
Reds skipper Henderson has held talks with Coutinho but confessed: “I don’t think I can influence the situation.
"I have had conversations with Phil as he is my team-mate. I’m close to him and I have a lot of respect for him.
“Of course, if you ask everyone, they want Phil to stay as he is a world-class player.”
Coutinho has not travelled for tonight’s Champions League play-off, first-leg at Hoffenheim.
Henderson added: “It is obviously a difficult situation for Phil.
“Whatever I say will not help the situation but as players we are fully focused on the game.
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“As players, you expect things in the transfer window to happen and players come and go.”
Barcelona are understood to be readying a new £100million bid for Coutinho, 25, having had two bids turned down.
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Following the Catalan giants’ initial £72m offer, Kop boss Jurgen Klopp is believed to have told Coutinho he would not be sold this summer.
The Reds playmaker signed a new five-year deal in January.
Klopp said: “Nothing has changed in the last few days on either side.
“I understand everyone is interested in this but I’m not thinking about it.”
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