Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has claimed that the Merseyside club may face a battle to keep hold of Philippe Coutinho in the future.
The Brazilian, who moved to Anfield from Inter Milan in 2013, has emerged as the one of the club's most important players since a number of high-profile departures.
The 23-year-old recently signed a new contract at Liverpool, but Gerrard, who now plies his trade in the US for Los Angeles Galaxy, fears that Coutinho could follow in Luis Suarez's footsteps and join either Barcelona or Real Madrid.
In Gerrard's new book My Story, which is being serialised by the Daily Mail, the midfielder said: "He has just signed a new deal and he and his wife, who are a lovely couple, seem settled here.
"But I also know that the Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, will come looking for Philippe in a few more seasons, just like they did with Luis, and that's when it will get tricky for Liverpool because the lure to go to one or two of those clubs is so strong for any South American or Spanish player."
Coutinho played no part in Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford due to suspension.
Danielle Joynson
