Chelsea could pip Man Utd to Philippe Coutinho transfer as Blues make contact with agent Kia Joorabchian

The Brazilian playmaker looks destined to leave Barcelona this summer and a host of clubs are reportedly interested

Posted Wednesday, April 03, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk

Chelsea could pip Man Utd to Philippe Coutinho transfer as Blues make contact with agent Kia Joorabchian
Coutinho has struggled at Barca

CHELSEA could pip Manchester United to the signature of Philippe Coutinho - if the Brazil international opts to leave Barcelona.

Sport claims there are three contenders to sign the 26-year-old, who has failed to settle at the Nou Camp since his £142million move from Liverpool in January last year.

In 64 outings for the Catalan giants, Coutinho has mustered 19 goals and 11 assists and is no longer an automatic first choice under Ernesto Valverde.

Barca could choose to cash-in on the ex-Inter Milan schemer while his reputation remains unaffected.

The La Liga champions have slapped a £110m valuation on Coutinho, amid reports he has told close friends he wants out.

Coutinho wants to be the central figure at his next club, a status he is convinced he will never achieve alongside Lionel Messi.

Chelsea are described as the destination which makes the "most sense", though the move hinges on the Blues defying a Fifa transfer ban due for the next two windows.

United are the other Premier League side reportedly interested, but another major hurdle stands between them and Coutinho.

Having already represented Liverpool, where he played 201 times and netted 54 goals, it is unknown whether the player would be willing to play for such a close rival.

Perhaps the most feasible destination for Coutinho is Paris Saint-Germain, who have held an interest since before he left Anfield 15 months ago.

Neymar reportedly asked the Ligue 1 club to move for the Barca star upon trading Barcelona for the French capital.

Coutinho is understood to be receptive to an offer from PSG though having to share the limelight with Kylian Mbappe could be a potential stumbling block.

The tempestuous relationship between Barcelona and the Parisian club might also prove problematic in getting a deal done.