Philippe Coutinho should stay at Liverpool until Andrés Iniesta steps down at Barcelona, says Craig Bellamy

Coutinho has been persistently linked with a move to the Nou Camp this summer

The Brazilian's future remains in doubt (Getty)

Craig Bellamy believes Philippe Coutinho should stay at Liverpool for now and leave for Barcelona as Andres Iniesta’s replacement once the Spaniard steps down.

Coutinho has been persistently linked with a move to the Nou Camp this summer, with the recent departure of Neymar to PSG intensifying speculation that the Catalans are closing in on the player.

Liverpool have so far stood strong in the face of Barcelona's interest, though, having most recently rejected a reported £90m offer for the 25-year-old.

However, former Liverpool striker Bellamy has warned Coutinho against joining Barcelona this season and believes the Brazilian should wait until a vacancy opens up once Iniesta steps down, possibly in 12 months’ time.

Bellamy said on Sky Sports: “I see Coutinho as a replacement for Iniesta, I don't see him as a replacement for Neymar. At the present moment he would have to go out on the left, because Iniesta is still playing. At Liverpool he will get a central role.

“I would say this year, stick it out. Barcelona will come back, they are not just one offs, and they usually get their way.

“This might be Iniesta's last year. Coutinho then goes to Barcelona next year and plays a central role.”

More recently, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted Liverpool will not accept any bids for Coutinho after the club rejected Barcelona’s improved £90m offer.

“Liverpool is not a club that has to sell players. That is set in stone. So what they offer in the end doesn’t matter,” he said.

“From a financial standpoint, there is no price limit to let him go. No price at which we are ready to give in. Our goal is to have the best possible team. So we want to keep our guys and add new ones. That is our plan.”