Former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has been told to stay and fight for his shirt at Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona despite strong interest from major Premier League (PL) clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea.

Former Arsenal striker Paul Marriner believes that Brazilian international Coutinho has the quality to thrive at Barcelona.

The footballer turned pundit was speaking on popular media channel ESPN as he insisted that new Barcelona signing Frenkie De Jong is not a direct replacement for Philippe Coutinho.

Barcelona have secured the signing of highly rated Dutch international midfielder Frenkie De Jong in a transfer that could reach the €75m mark with many viewing the player as a potential replacement for the ineffective Coutinho.

Former Inter Milan star Coutinho has struggled to make a sustained impact at Barcelona since his £142m transfer from Liverpool in the last winter transfer window.

His plight at Barcelona has led to transfer rumours of a move to Chelsea and Manchester United as both clubs have been linked with a £100m swoop for him.

Paul Marriner believes that Barcelona have not signed the aforementioned De Jong as a direct replacement for Coutinho as he backed the player to rediscover his form in the colours of the Blaugrana.

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