Liverpool hero Steve McManaman has urged his old club not to panic over Barcelona's pursuit of Philippe Coutinho.

The Reds are battling to keep the player out of the clutches of Barcelona who have failed with bids of £72m and £90m so far this summer.

Comparing the Coutinho situation to Manchester United's battle to keep Cristiano Ronaldo from joining Real Madrid in 2008 and Liverpool fighting to keep Luis Suarez in 2013, McManaman said on BT Sport: “Ronaldo stayed for an extra year, Suarez stayed for another (year).

"I think Liverpool would accept that Philippe Coutinho could go next year.

“But I just think the timing is really, really bad.

“It all depends on the individual.

“I think Coutinho is a great professional, I think he's got a great relationship with the people in Liverpool and I think that will remain the same if he stays.

“I think it's different to (Borussia Dortmund star Ousmane) Dembele not turning up for training.

“I think they can easily keep him and it won't affect him too much."