Liverpool to open talks with Philippe Coutinho?

Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur on April 2, 2016
© Getty Images
Liverpool are reportedly ready to open contract talks with Philippe Coutinho as they look to fend off alleged interest from Barcelona.

Liverpool have reportedly decided to open contract negotiations with midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian playmaker has been one of Liverpool's star men this season, and his five goals and five assists in the Premier League have helped his side to a position in the top four of the table.

His form is also said to have attracted the attention of Barcelona, but according to Sky Sports News, Liverpool want to extend his current deal.

The 24-year-old still has three years remaining on his existing contract but the Merseyside giants want to strengthen their position should Barcelona come calling in the summer.

Coutinho has scored 35 goals in 163 games for Liverpool since the English side paid Inter Milan £8.5m for his signature in January 2013.

Sadio Mane in action during the Premier League game between Everton and Liverpool on December 19, 2016
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Chelsea22181347153255
2Arsenal22145350232747
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs22137245162946
4Liverpool22136351272445
5Manchester CityMan City22134543281543
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd22118333211241
7Everton22106633231036
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom229583028232
9Stoke CityStoke227782834-628
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham2284102936-728
11Southampton227692226-427
12Bournemouth2275103239-726
13Burnley2282122433-926
14Watford2266102538-1324
15Leicester CityLeicester2256112437-1321
16Middlesbrough2248101825-720
17Swansea CitySwansea2253142651-2518
18Crystal Palace2244143041-1116
19Hull City2244142047-2716
20Sunderland2243152042-2215