There's 'no way' Liverpool can sell Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, insists Jamie Carragher

Liverpool have already rejected two bids but the playmaker is reported to have handed in a transfer request with Barcelona a 'dream' move

Philippe Coutinho is reported to handed in a transfer request on Friday (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Jamie Carragher admits he is "surprised" Philippe Coutinho has handed in a transfer request but still does not believe Liverpool will let the player leave this summer.

The Brazilian forward has been the subject of heavy interest from Barcelona following the world record departure of Neymar to PSG and Liverpool have rejected two offers from the Catalan giants.

Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) were left red-faced on Friday when reports emerged suggesting Coutinho had handed in a transfer request moments after they released a statement unequivocally outlining their intention not to sell him.

"I didn't think he would put in a transfer request, if I'm being honest," Carragher said on Sky Sports on Friday night.

"I said he's not that type of player - but I don't know what that means when you say that. We're all that type at different times.

"I was surprised by it. I don't know if it was a reaction to the club coming out and making a statement earlier in the day.

"It's a similar situation to Luis Suarez, where he put in a transfer request and was made to stay by FSG at that time, but you always felt he'd only be at the club for 12 months."

The Independent has been told Liverpool will maintain their stance not to sell but understand that Coutinho was "floored" by FSG's statement on Friday and that a move to Barcelona remains his dream.

Manager Jurgen Klopp hinted that the club may have considered selling Coutinho had an offer come in for the player earlier in the transfer window, and Carragher agrees.

"Before Coutinho put in this request I thought Liverpool would keep him and he'd probably go in 12 months," the retired defender said.

"If this bid had come in at the end of May, someone offered over £100m and you had potential targets lined up, you could understand it.

"But Liverpool have got no time to replace him. They can't get players in at the moment anyway and they've got a lot of money to spend.

"I don't see any way the club would let Coutinho go. I said there'd be a riot if he went and I still stand by that."