Liverpool asked to sign Ousmane Dembele but warned against the return of Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool was invited to sign Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele – replacing Roberto Firmino – but warned against the return of Philippe Coutinho to Anfield.

The former Reds midfielder, Danny Murphy – winner of the triple-cut under Gerard Houllier in 2001 – has been informed of what Jurgen Klopp's men should do this summer while they're preparing for a another victory in the Premier League.

Murphy, 42, has scored 44 goals in 249 games over his seven-year career at Anfield and now works as a media specialist. He commented during an interview with the bookmaker bwin.

Asked about rumors that Dembele, the 22-year-old Barca winger, would have decided to involve Liverpool in Liverpool, he said: "Dembele would be a fantastic rookie for Liverpool.

"He has not had the best time in Barcelona, ​​but he clearly has an abundance of talent and the ability to win games on his own.

"If he manages to regain his conviction in his capacity, then Liverpool will have a formidable front3 with him, Mane and Salah.

"By maximizing his potential, I think he would take Firmino out of the first team.

"Firmino is the type of player who would raise his own game and everyone around him if Dembele entered the team.

"He will fight for his place week after week and if you do not give everything on the field, then Firmino will be there to take it."

The former English international was not however as enthusiastic as the thousands of Liverpool fans who want to see Philippe Coutinho brought back to Anfield 18 months after his departure for Barcelona, ​​for a total of 142 million pounds.

"Liverpool would take a step back if they signed Coutinho again," Murphy said.

"Coutinho is at his best when he plays in the center of the three squares, not on the left.If he came back, he would change the dynamics of the team and it would upset the balance."

"The three Liverpool midfielders are all super-athletes who defend as much as they attack, what they will lose if they play Coutinho." Klopp had the opportunity to try a different formation. Once Coutinho is gone and the results speak for themselves, it would be risky to come back to welcome Coutinho.

"There is always room for a creative player, but Liverpool should look at a player like Ousmane Dembele or Zaha, not Coutinho."

The former Fulham man was also questioned about Harvey Elliott, who is expected to arrive at Anfield this summer after recently becoming the youngest player to have played in the Cottagers Premier League at the end of last season.

"Harvey Elliott would be a great rookie for Liverpool and the right move for the player," Murphy said.

"Liverpool is in a very stable position with Klopp and when he was young, Elliott would not have to worry about the arrival of another manager who would not see him in his plans. future.

"Klopp is very good at giving young players a chance to prove themselves and I'm sure Elliott will have the same chances if he agrees with Klopp's plan, which would give him an excellent opportunity to play and play. coach with some of the best players in the world and see what's needed at the top.

"He is very young and has the chance to develop in Liverpool and then spend a season on loan if necessary, which is a great opportunity for the player and I can not see him go through."

Murphy has also responded to some fans' concerns about the lack of summer activities for the Reds so far.

"Klopp has not been occupied by this window because the only players who can improve his team are already playing for Real Madrid and Barcelona.There is already a lot of depth in the Liverpool team and it is difficult to Improve a team that wins the Champions League title and finish the season on 97 points.

"Liverpool had some long-term injuries last season, with Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gomez missing a big chuck of the season, they will be like rookies this season and will play in the first team." It's not the end of the world if Klopp is not too active in the transfer window. "