Jamie Carragher: Liverpool taking "big risk" if they sell Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has claimed that the Merseyside giants should not consider selling Philippe Coutinho before the end of the season.

Since the closing weeks of the summer window, Barcelona have been strongly linked with a move for the Brazilian international, who has seemingly expressed a desire to move to Camp Nou.

Liverpool have previously told the Spanish outfit that Coutinho is not for sale, but over the past 24 hours it has been suggested that it is only a matter of time before the 25-year-old completes a transfer to the La Liga leaders.

Coutinho is said to have already chosen his new shirt number ahead of a January switch, but Carragher has said that Liverpool will be taking "a big risk" if they sell one of their star men midway through the campaign.

Best thing @LFC is agree the BIG fee for Coutinho to go in the summer like we've done with Keita, not now. What do the club gain by doing it now? Top 4 & CL progression seriously risked if they sell in Jan, & difficult to replace him now. If he goes on strike he damages himself.

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) 3 January 2018

Liverpool currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League standings, and face a last-16 tie with Porto in the Champions League.

Coutinho has contributed 12 goals and eight assists in all competitions this season.