Bengaluru, April 27: Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have just four games in their hands before the 2016-17 season of the Premier League comes to an end and they have a big job on their hands to book a place in the Champions League next season.

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From title contenders back in December, the Reds are now in a position from where finishing top-four looks like a gargantuan task as both Manchester clubs and Arsenal are hot on their tail and could overtake Klopp's boys.

We are still a few weeks away before the transfer window opens but the rumour mill has already started speculating transfer stories and Liverpool are one of the favourites of the rumour mill.

It is a public knowledge that Bayern Munich star winger Douglas Costa is one of the high-profile targets of Klopp as he eyes on bolstering the Liverpool side.

However, the Liverpool fans will be disappointed to see Lucas Cruel, a close friend of Costa's and his personal fitness coach playing down the chances of the Brazilian moving to Anfield.

He told German outlet Sport1: "No way!"

"Douglas will not go to Liverpool, he prefers to stay at Bayern Munich. It's a good life here."

This will be a massive blow to Jurgen Klopp who seems to rate the Brazilian winger pretty highly. The 26-year-old would be a great fit in the former Borussia Dortmund manager's system but his best friend playing down the rumours will definitely concern Klopp.

Costa is having a pretty average season at Bayern this time out. He has found it difficult to break into Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI on a regular basis having managed to score just four goals this campaign.

A move to Liverpool, who play an attractive and attacking brand of football, should have been a lucrative offer for the explosive Brazilian winger who is struggling at the Allianz Arena. It's really surprising to see his friend playing down the rumour.

Liverpool still have plenty of time to look for alternatives, though. As of now, their priority would be to finish this season inside top 4 and qualify for the Champions League next season.

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