Coutinho welcomes 'cool' Barcelona links as Liverpool future is questioned once again

Philippe Coutinho considers links to Barcelona to be “cool” but insists that he remains fully committed to his contract at Liverpool.

Speculation suggesting that the Brazil international will be a summer transfer target for the La Liga giants refuses to go away.

Coutinho put in another star showing for Liverpool against West Ham over the weekend to spark the exit talk once more and underline his standing as one of the Premier League’s top creative influences.

Klopp: Coutinho decisive for Liverpool

Barca, though, have seen the 24-year-old commit to fresh terms at Anfield this season and the talented playmaker claims that, while interest from afar is flattering, he has no intention of turning his back on the Reds.

Coutinho told ESPN Brasil ahead of his eye-catching display at the London Stadium: “Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world. So far, nothing has come to me because, if anything comes, it comes to my manager. What I have to do is focus on the pitch.

“I have a contract with Liverpool, there are a lot of chances for us to be in the Champions League next year.

“What I have to do is focus on football and those things are resolved by the business people.

“I’m happy to know that a great club has an interest, it’s cool, for the recognition of their work. What I have to do is keep working hard.

Coutinho sets new Liverpool landmark

“Liverpool is a great club and we have to put Liverpool back in the Champions League.”

A 4-0 victory over West Ham has Jurgen Klopp’s side in a strong position to wrap up a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Fifth-placed Arsenal still boast a game in hand on the Reds, but they are relying on others dropping points in order to sneak into the Champions League spots.