Arsenal legend Ian Wright says Liverpool cannot afford to keep hold of Philippe Coutinho this season.

With Coutinho pushing to join Barcelona, Wright wrote for The Sun: "Liverpool's owners are standing firm, insisting they will refuse to sell their star player to Barcelona, however much they offer.

"It is a stance which many admire — but it's also one which I think could wreck their whole season if it continues to rumble on.

"That's why my message to Liverpool would be to sell Coutinho and concentrate on the area which really does need attention — namely that dodgy defence.

"We know the Brazilian wants to go because he's finally told the club he'd like to join his old team-mate Luis Suarez at the Nou Camp — and really you can't blame a player for that.

"Not when Liverpool haven't really progressed since Suarez left in 2014. They are no closer to winning the league and, if anything, they are further away.

"I fear that even if the transfer window closes and Coutinho is still at Anfield, the saga could have a real impact on their campaign."