Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd transfer news: How Philippe Coutinho would fit into starting XI – Star dropped
PHILIPPE COUTINHO has been linked with a move away from Barcelona, but how would he fit in at Old Trafford if Manchester United swoop for the Brazilian?
Man United: Pogba makes Coutinho transfer unlikely says expert
Philippe Coutinho is attracting attention from a host of clubs around Europe as the Barcelona ace is linked with a move away from the Nou Camp.
The Brazilian joined the La Liga giants for £142million from Liverpool a year ago but has found life tough under Ernesto Valverde.
Paris Saint-Germain appear to be favourites to sign Coutinho but Manchester United are also in the hunt as they look to further bolster their attacking options.
The Red Devils have come alive under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford firing in the goals since the Norwegian took over at Old Trafford.
Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez are also options up front while Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard add additional firepower from midfield.
However, Mata is yet to sign a contract extension while Martial is wanted by Europe’s elite and would leave United short of options on the left if he departed.
Coutinho has been utilised out wide during his time in Spain, although the 26-year-old has recently lost his place to French speedster Ousmane Dembele.
Barcelona will reportedly only demand around €100million (£88m) for Coutinho as they look to fund a stunning return for Neymar.
Coutinho's play time at Barcelona is 'disappointing' says pundit
Speaking about a potential transfer, ESPN journalist David Aymoral said: “A deal looks rather unlikely in January, since the Blaugrana would want more than €100 million to even consider the departure of the crown jewel of their transfer campaign last winter.”
Mundo Deportivo claim United have contacted the player’s agent about a transfer, with Barcelona thought to be willing to take a hit on the playmaker despite a £355m release clause.
If a shock move to Old Trafford did materialise, Coutinho would be likely to come straight into the starting XI – although most likely on the right at the expense of Lingard or Mata if Martial stays.
However, United fans will be wary of enduring a similar scenario to that of Sanchez who has scored just four goals following his move from Arsenal a year ago.
Manchester United predicted line-up if they sign Philippe Coutinho
(4-2-3-1): De Gea; Valencia, Lindelof, Bailly, Shaw; Herrera, Matic; Coutinho, Pogba, Martial; Rashford