Liverpool legend Michael Owen believes the Reds can resist the lure of Barcelona and hang on to star man Philippe Coutinho.

Barca have already had a £72million bid for the Brazilian turned down but if Neymar's world record move to Paris St Germain goes ahead they are expected to renew attempts to sign up Coutinho.

"The news going around Spain is obviously fuel to the fire if the Neymar deal goes ahead - the speculation becomes intensive (regarding a) Coutinho move," he said.

"But he was happy enough a short while ago to sign a long-term deal and since then the club have qualified for the Champions League and strengthened the team.

"I think they played a really good move in signing him to a long contract because if the worst came they would get a lot of money for him, but I don't see it happening.

"Other than Coutinho not being happy I can't see how there is going to be a deal. It's inevitable that a lot of good players want to ply their trade in Spain but the situation with the length of contract has to count for something."