Saiyed Karim
Barcelona set price tag for Man United target Philippe Coutinho
Manchester United are one of two Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Philippe Coutinho, according to Metro.
The Brazilian joined the Catalans from Liverpool in 2018 but struggled to cement a place in the team.
He was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich at the start of this campaign. However, Bayern are unwilling to use the £105million clause to make the move permanent.
Barca paid £142m to land Coutinho, but United and Chelsea are interested in the 27-year-old (h/t Metro).
The Evening Standard (h/t Metro) adds that Barca are willing to listen to offers between £70m and £80m and will take a huge loss to sell him off.
Barca’s plans for Coutinho
Although we could make a move for the Brazilian, the Catalans have other plans for Coutinho. They want to use his funds to sign two top stars in Lautaro Martinez and Neymar (h/t Metro).
Coutinho might not have starred at Barcelona consistently but for £70m, he could be a player worth signing.
The Brazilian has a ton of Premier League experience with Liverpool, and he was one of their best players too. Barca made the mistake of often playing him in a wide role, and if we can ensure he plays centrally, we might get a quality creative force in the team.
Paul Pogba’s injury has left a gaping hole in the creative department and Coutinho could do a decent job in that place.
Bruno Fernandes has looked brilliant since joining us in the winter window, but Coutinho can provide some competition and cover for the Portuguese star.
He doesn’t have the physicality or engine that Pogba brings to the midfield. However, Coutinho’s eye for goals and passes can unlock even the toughest of defences.
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The history between Liverpool and us could be a stumbling block in the deal. However, Michael Owen was able to bridge the gap years ago, and Coutinho could light up Old Trafford.
