Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has scoffed at Barcelona's attempts for Philippe Coutinho.

Fowler wrote for the Mirror: "He's a top player, no doubt, and I'm sure they want him – I'm sure they ­believe he'll make even their team better, yet I'm not so sure they think they can get him.

"If they did, then they wouldn't have made their approach to Liverpool so ­public, they'd have worked away behind the scenes to make it happen.

"They have only signed Nelson Semedo for £30 million this summer, and their fans are getting restless, ­especially with Neymar making some unsettled noises and PSG waiting in the wings. For me, it's one for the fans.

"If I'm honest, I don't even think a ridiculous bid will ­persuade Liverpool to sell this summer, not after their manager has said so staunchly he will not let his best players go."