Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp bids farewell to ‘friend’ Philippe Coutinho but urges Liverpool fans to move on quickly after Brazilian seals Barcelona move

JURGEN KLOPP has assured fans Liverpool did everything possible to keep hold of Philippe Coutinho - but says the star was intent on his "dream" move.

Barcelona and the Reds finally confirmed that a £142m deal had been agreed and the player had secured a switch to the Nou Cmap on Saturday.

All that remains now is for the Brazilian to pass a medical before he is officially unveiled as Barca player after agreeing a five-and-a-half year contract.

Klopp bid an emotional farewell to Coutinho on Saturday night and admits that despite the efforts of everyone at Anfield, nothing could be done to persuade the playmaker to stay.

Speaking to , he said: "It is with great reluctance that we – as a team and club – prepare to say farewell to a good friend, a wonderful person and a fantastic player in Philippe Coutinho.

"It is no secret that Philippe has wanted this move to happen since July, when Barcelona first made their interest known.

"Philippe was insistent with me, the owners and even his teammates this was a move he was desperate to make happen.

"Despite that, we managed,  to keep the player here beyond the summer window, hoping that we would be able to persuade him to stay and be part of what we are looking to do.

OVER AND COUT Barcelona finally confirm signing of Coutinho from Liverpool

"I can tell the Liverpool supporters that we, as a club, have done everything within our means to convince Philippe that remaining part of LFC was as attractive as moving to Spain, but he is 100 per cent certain his future – and that of his family – belongs at Barcelona. It is his dream and I am now convinced there is nothing left at our disposal to change his mind."

Coutinho, 25, has transformed into a world-class talent on Merseyside since his arrival from Inter Milan in 2013.

And Klopp praised him for his efforts over the past few months, despite seeing his dream move denied in the summer after Liverpool rejected three offers from Barca.

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"So as we bid farewell to Philippe, we continue on our path of progress and development as we work towards our common goal of bringing trophies back to Anfield."

Klopp and his squad are currently in Dubai for some warm weather training following last night's dramatic 2-1 FA Cup victory over neighbours.

Liverpool are next in action on Sunday, January 14 when they welcome runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City to Anfield.