Reports: Manchester United make contact with Barcelona superstar's agent
What's the story?
As per Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are interested in luring Philippe Coutinho to Old Trafford and have already made contact with the Brazilian's agent. However, the report further states that Coutinho is not ready to leave the Camp Nou just yet.
It is believed that he made his way to Barcelona after extreme industry and will not throw in the towel at the first opportunity he gets. Still, he could make an about-turn if the situation at Barca remains the same until the end of the season.
In case you didn't know...
Philippe Coutinho joined Barcelona from Liverpool in the winter transfer window last year for a reported fee worth £140 million, making him the most expensive signing of Barcelona.
While he excelled in the remainder of the 2017/18 season at Barcelona, the 26-year-old is disgruntled with his present situation at the Camp Nou. His contract with the club runs out in 2023.
The heart of the matter...
Manchester United have endured a disappointing first half of the season and are looking to revamp their squad in the ongoing winter transfer window for the upcoming matches. Apparently, Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho is on their radar as one of the top transfer targets.
Speaking of the former Liverpool star, Coutinho is displeased with the playing time, or lack thereof. He has not started a single game since 2 December. The rise of Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order hasn't helped his case either.
Nevertheless, Coutinho is reluctant to make a move at this stage, with his family delighted with their life in Catalonia.
Rumour rating: 6/10
A number of high-profile clubs are keeping close tabs on Coutinho's state at Barca and Manchester United appear to be one of them.
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What's next?
In order to secure Coutinho's services, Manchester United will have to wait until the end of the season, depending on the playing time he is offered.