Liverpool asked Barcelona ‘stop harassing Philippe Coutinho’, according to leaked emails.
Coutinho was the subject of offers from the Catalan giants this summer but the Anfield hierarchy rejected all bids, including one exceeding £100 million.
However Der Spiegel has published a series of messages appearing to take place between the two clubs over Barca’s pursuit of the Brazil international.
Working with whistle-blowers Football Leaks, the German newspaper claims Liverpool issued firm hands-off warnings after rejecting a £72m offer on July 20.
Barca were told that Coutinho was ‘not for sale’ at any price while the Reds fired another stern warning after they rejected a £90m bid in early August.
Sporting director Michael Edwards is claimed to have told the La Liga club: “I ask you amicably to stop harassing Coutinho publicly and privately.
“No amount of money will change our minds.”
The emails also dismissed claims by Nou Camp officials that Liverpool demanded £183m for Coutinho on the final day of the transfer window.