Liverpool hero John Aldridge would like to see Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho return to Anfield.

Coutinho is in search of a new club ahead of the summer after Barcelona made it clear he's not in their plans next season.

Bayern Munich have no plans to sign the midfielder permanently nor loan him from Barcelona for another season, meaning he is available should Liverpool want him.

Aldridge told the Sunday World: "I think Liverpool should do all they can to bring him back to Anfield.

"I know there will be some fans out there who might be surprised by my call for Liverpool's owners to hand Coutinho a route back to Anfield, but let me explain why I think this transfer could work for all parties.

"Despite his troubles in Spain, we are talking about a class player here who lit up the Premier League. He was a big hero of the Anfield faithful during his time at the club.

"He understands how English football works and would not need long to acclimatise if he returns to Liverpool. Crucially, this loan move could be funded within the tight financial boundaries Klopp is working with this summer."