SYDNEY -- Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister believes it is "no surprise" that clubs such as Barcelona are interested in signing Philippe Coutinho during the summer, and that Jurgen Klopp should do all he can to keep the playmaker at Anfield.
Coutinho told ESPN in April that he was "happy to know" that Barca were interested in him, but was concentrating on succeeding at Liverpool rather than planning a move any time soon.
McAllister, who worked with the Brazil international at Liverpool as a first-team coach under former manager Brendan Rodgers, says that the attention is well-deserved, but hopes that Klopp can keep the "little magician" on Merseyside.
"First and foremost, it's no surprise that clubs -- certainly the clubs in Spain -- are interested in him," McAllister told ESPN.
"He's had a fantastic season. I was fortunate enough to work with Phillipe when I was there with Brendan Rodgers. He's a wonderful player, a wonderful trainer ... a good guy.
"It's very key that Liverpool keep him there at the club. He's a little magician."
#INSERT type:image caption: Philippe Coutinho's performances for Liverpool have reportedly sparked the interest of Barcelona. END#
As for players coming into the club, Klopp's transfer plans are believed to be centred around Liverpool's troublesome left-back position. Buoyed by claiming a spot in the Champions League qualifiers, McAllister says he's confident that the manager can land his targets.
"All the recruitment choices are in good hands. It's not up to me to tell Jurgen Klopp who he needs and what positions he needs to strengthen," McAllister said.
"I think he's a very safe pair of hands. He's a winner. He knows what he's doing.
"I'm sure that if the [right] players become available that he's looking for, he'll go in and try and bring them to the club."