Philippe Coutinho's agent has already revealed his thoughts on Liverpool transfer return

Phillip Coutinho left Liverpool in a hurry back in 2018, keen to fulfil his dream in Spain with Barcelona.

But despite the Brazilian's unceremonious exit and his subsequent struggles, which have seen him cast out of the Camp Nou, it has always felt that Coutinho has some unfinished business on Merseyside.

Liverpool turned a blind eye to Coutinho when he was made available for loan in the January transfer window. But his former Reds teammate Steven Gerrard ensured an Anfield connection remained intact by bringing him back to the Premier League and to Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.

Coutinho got the opportunity to see some of his former friends, including his old boss Jurgen Klopp, at Villa Park on Tuesday night.

And despite the 29-year-old having little impact on the match before being subbed, some Liverpool fans - as was inevitable - began discussing on social media the prospect of Coutinho returning to Anfield.

Before Klopp and co. opted against re-signing Coutinho in January, the Brazilian and his agent both spoke out about the prospect.

Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian said: "It would be very difficult for Philippe to play for any of Liverpool's rivals because he has such a great affinity towards Liverpool. His time there was fantastic.

Philippe Coutinho in action for Aston Villa against Liverpool (Getty Images)

"Yes, but like all big players at some point, you want to experience a different thing in your career because your career is very short, but it [his Anfield exit] has no reflection on the fact his heart and affinity is very much with Liverpool."

Coutinho, meanwhile, told World Soccer: "The Premier League is one of the most exciting leagues in the world and to have the chance to play there with a team like Liverpool will always be something I will feel grateful for.

"It is impossible to say what might or might not happen in the future - but what I know is that right now my only focus is on being successful with Barcelona."

Both, it seems, remain keen on the idea of a Liverpool return but the ship just may have sailed for Coutinho, who now looks set to join Villa in a permanent deal.