Transfer Centre

Report: Manchester United, Chelsea in battle for Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 19 January 2019

Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho is reportedly being eyed up by Manchester United and Chelsea, a year on from leaving Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Manchester United and Chelsea will reportedly battle it out to bring Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho back to the Premier League later this year.

The Brazil international has struggled to hold down a spot in Barca's starting lineup this term, being used from the off in just half of their La Liga matches.

Coutinho cost the Catalan giants £142m to sign from Liverpool 12 months ago but could be sold on this summer, with Ernesto Valverde supposedly keen on re-signing Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.

Spanish outlet Marca indicates that Chelsea have been quoted £100m for the former Liverpool favourite, potentially as a replacement for Eden Hazard, and they have not been scared off by the nine-figure fee.

United may also be willing to spend big on a marquee signing ahead of next season, as they find themselves 16 points off the Premier League summit, despite a huge turnaround in form over the past month.

Liverpool have no interest in reuniting with Coutinho, meanwhile, with Jurgen Klopp shutting down the rumours following his side's 4-3 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.