The 20-year-old has been embroiled in an increasingly bitter public war with Liverpool over his desire to leave Anfield this summer, and is on the verge of ruining his reputation.
Melwood’s car park was busy Wednesday morning. As if a crime had taken place, a white tarpaulin - impressive in its length - screened the complex’s inner entrance, which, rather mundanely, is in the process of a facelift.
The long-serving attendant, Kenny, was there as usual wearing his high-visibility jacket, springing out of his cabin to speak to incomers he did not recognize. For those he did, as usual, there was a warmly delivered hand signal, reflecting his ease.