Emile Heskey sends clear warning to Liverpool FC about Philippe Coutinho

Emile Heskey has warned Liverpool that Philippe Coutinho will have his head turned once again if Barcelona come in with a fresh attempt to try and sign the Brazilian in the January transfer window.

Coutinho was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer but a switch for the Brazilian playmaker failed to materialise.

The 25-year-old playmaker was keen on a move to Camp Nou and even handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through a switch.

However, Liverpool held firm and refused to sell the Brazilian to the Spanish club.

It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will return with a fresh attempt to try and sign Coutinho in the forthcoming January transfer window.

And former Reds striker Heskey reckons that Liverpool could struggle to keep hold of the Brazilian should the Spanish side make a fresh attempt in January.

Speaking to 888sport, Heskey said: “When the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid – and even Liverpool themselves – are linked to players then players seriously think about it.

“So I’m not surprised that Coutinho is considering it. He is close to some who play there and a number of Brazilians have represented them over the years so that’s where he’s thinking of plying his trade next.

“There is always that chance that he might go in January because if they come back with another offer his head will be turned again.”

Liverpool are currently 12 points behind leaders Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title.

The Merseyside outfit return to Premier League action on Saturday when they take on newly promoted Huddersfield Town at Anfield.

The Reds finished fourth in the Premier League table last season.

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Read the full 888sport interview with Emile Heskey, including his thoughts on Coutinho’s Barcelona transfer saga.