Reports: Philippe Coutinho attracting interest from Barcelona and PSG
Philippe Coutinho is a star at Liverpool and has gone on to become a key man for the Reds since his move to Anfield from Inter Milan in 2013. The 23-year-old is attracting interest from top clubs across Europe. According to reports, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are interested in signing the talented midfielder in the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian has emerged as a transfer target for both the French champions and the La Liga winners as they look to bolster their squad ahead of next season. It has also been reported that the Parc des Princes outfit have already made contact with Coutinho's agent.
PSG are keen on adding the playmaker to their side as they look to challenge top clubs in the Champions League in the upcoming season. Laurent Blanc’s side have identified the Liverpool star as one of their key targets for the upcoming transfer window. However, the club are expected to face stern competition from Barcelona for the signature of the 23-year-old.
The Catalan giants already have the services of MSN - Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in their ranks. And Neymar is keen on convincing his employers to make an approach for Coutinho, as a back up to Messi, Suarez or himself. Barcelona's Brazilian superstar is currently on a holiday in America, while Coutinho is with the Brazil national team for the 2016 Copa America Centenario.
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Neymar had earlier expressed his desire to play alongside Coutinho at Nou Camp. “'Coutinho is a crack (top player) and I would like to play alongside him for Barcelona. He has the level to play for Barca.”
Liverpool failed to beat Sevilla in the Europa League final and finished eighth in the English Premier League, thereby ensuring that they will miss out on European football next season.
Without European football, the Merseyside club will struggle to keep hold of their star player and both PSG and Barcelona can guarantee the Brazilian a genuine shot to win the Champions League – the most coveted trophy in club football.
The Ligue 1 outfit believe they can sign Coutinho for a fee in the region of £25m, but are open to shelling extra money for the services of the 23-year-old. Should that happen, they are likely to win the race against Barcelona, who will not be able to enter into a bidding war with PSG for the Premier League star.