Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard claims Philippe Coutinho will have to create a ‘war’ to move to Barcelona

STEVEN GERRARD feels Liverpool star Phillipe Coutinho will have to create a "war" to force through his move to Barcelona.

The Catalan giants have stepped up the chase for the Brazilian playmaker, with a delegation from Spain reportedly in England ready to thrash out a deal.

Liverpool have rejected two bids from Barca for Coutinho, who is keen to make the switch to La Liga and a fee in excess of £100million looks to have been agreed.

Kop legend Gerrard, who now coaches at the club academy, insists the former Inter Milan star will have to kick up a stink to get out of Merseyside.

Gerrard said on BT Sport: “It’s very, very difficult, especially South American players who always go on record saying it’s a dream of theirs to play for Barcelona.

“I’ve experienced it before as a player and a fan with (Javier) Mascherano, with (Luis) Suarez and it’s a very, very difficult situation for a club to be in.

“The good thing from the Liverpool fans’ point of view is the manager is desperate to keep hold of him and is trying to keep hold of him."

Gerrard added: “The board want him to stay, this is not a situation where Liverpool need money or to cash in.

“We’re not a selling club so they’re going to do everything in their power for him to stay.

“But at the end of the day it comes down to Philippe Coutinho and his decision, what he’s prepared to do, what type of war he’s prepared to create to get out because Liverpool won’t make it easy for him.”

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