Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Liverpool would have benefited from the transfer window shutting before the new season started.

The Reds currently find themselves in the middle of a transfer saga involving Philippe Coutinho, who is wanted by Barcelona.

Coutinho has handed in a transfer request in an attempt to speed up the move, while Barca are now thought to be preparing a final offer worth £137m.

Klopp is quoted by the Liverpool Echo as saying: "It would have helped us this year [if the window shut when the season started]. There is a phenomenon and then people go looking for solutions. It makes sense that when the season is starting, planning for the team is over.

"But I also understand that some things take a bit more time. The whole market has changed – the behaviour of people. I know the market has changed, it's become very hectic, but we won't take that as an excuse. We have a good team."

Coutinho is currently on the sidelines with a back problem and out of Liverpool's 22-man squad travelling to Hoffenheim for their Champions League playoff first leg.