Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho admits he is 'happy' with Barcelona's interest

The Brazilian signed a new contract at the start of the season

Philippe Coutinho has admitted that speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona makes him “happy”, but insisted his focus is on Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp deployed Coutinho in a deeper ‘no 8’ role for the crushing 4-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday and he revelled in it, scoring twice and assisting another to put the Reds on the verge of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Barcelona have publically courted the Brazilian this season, with a host of former players stating his suitability to the Catalan club, with Neymar saying in March that Coutinho would be the “perfect fit” at the La Liga side.

Coutinho signed a new long-term contract at the start of the season and insisted there has been no contact from Barcelona yet.

“Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world, so far, nothing has come to me, because if anything comes, it comes to my manager, what I have to do is focus on the pitch,” Coutinho told ESPN Brasil.

“I have a contract with Liverpool, there are two games, there are a lot of chances for us to be in the Champions League next year.

“What I have to do is focus on football and those things are resolved by the business people.

“I'm happy to know that a great club has an interest, it's cool, for the recognition of their work, what I have to do is keep working hard.

“Liverpool is a great club and we have to put Liverpool back in the Champions League.”