Former Reds forward says Klopp should allow player join Club

Former Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy believes unsettled attacker Philippe Coutinho must be sold to FC Barcelona this summer since the Brazilian has his heart set on a bid that is too good to reject.

Coutinho has been the subject of about two failed offers from Camp Nou and is yet to play for the Reds this season due to a back injury.

The Spanish giant have kicked off their season with two losses to European Champions Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup ahead of the new League season, and Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is expected to table a third offer worth about £100m for the attacking midfielder.

The nature of the 5-1 aggregate loss to Real Madrid has intensified the need to strengthen their squad, with the Liverpool man and Ousmane Dembele identified as primary transfer targets of Barcelona.

Craig Bellamy, who netted 18 goals in 79 matches across two spells at Anfield, believes his former club cannot stop the Brazilian from leaving.

Notwithstanding the uncertainty surrounding the attacker’s future, the Reds are actively pursuing targets as they look to seal their place in the UEFA Champions League group stages following a 2-1 victory over German side Hoffenheim in their qualifying playoff first leg.

Earlier in the week, FC Barcelona general manager Pep Segura confirmed a deal for the Brazilian, who Liverpool’s owners – FSG have said would not leave the Merseyside club this summer transfer window, but Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes that is not true.