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Man Utd make Philippe Coutinho transfer decision as Barcelona look for deadline day move
MANCHESTER UNITED have made a decision on signing Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho, reports say.
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Manchester United, like Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, have emerged as potential suitors for Coutinho on deadline day.
The Barcelona star is expected to leave the La Liga giants as they aim to get him off the books in order to fund a deal for Neymar.
Manchester United have tried signing two playmakers in recent times but pursuits of Christian Eriksen and Paulo Dybala failed to pay off.
Yet the Evening Standard claim the Red Devils are not in for Coutinho on the final day of the transfer window.
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It is claimed Barcelona have offered the Brazil international to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
But it appears Solskjaer himself has other ideas.
It remains to be seen if United are able to make a signing today - but United are understood to be happy with their business this summer.
Regarding Coutinho, meanwhile, and he could yet join Tottenham or Arsenal instead.
But both clubs are facing a race against time in order to get a deal over the line before the 5pm deadline.
Meanwhile, ESPN pundit Alejandro Moreno believes Coutinho must return to the Premier League this summer.
He said of the former Liverpool star: “I think it’s in his best interest for Coutinho to leave Barcelona.
“And I think it’s in their best interest for Barca to let Coutinho walk out the door.
“It doesn’t make a difference [whether it’s on loan or permanently].
“You’re asking me if he’s going to leave, he’s going to leave.
“For me, Coutinho has had ample opportunities to impress at Barcelona.
“In fact, he’s regressed, he’s taken a step backwards, and it’s important for him to have a change of scenery, go somewhere else and feel better about himself.
“When he’s confident, he’s a much better player.”