Philippe Coutinho: ‘No room’ for him at United says pundit
Chelsea have held secret talks with Philippe Coutinho over a summer transfer from Barcelona, according to reports in Spain. The Brazilian seems to be destined for the exit door at the Nou Camp, having spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich.
Philippe Coutinho looks set to leave Barcelona (Image: GETTY)
Leicester had even emerged as a surprise target for the midfield maestro, but that deal doesn't appear likely.
Now, it seems that Chelsea have jumped to the front of the queue.
The Blues have already forked out £38million to sign Hakim Ziyech from Ajax, but are seemingly ready to push forward with more spending.
Frank Lampard is believed to be on the hunt for attacking reinforcements to replace the output from Eden Hazard, following his move to Real Madrid last summer.
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Barca are keen to offload the playmmaker in order to fund moves for Neymar and Lautaro Martinez.
Antoine Griezmann could be used as a player to be exchanged in order to sign Neymar, while Martinez is likely to be signed with funds raised by Coutinho's sale.
The Inter Milan ace has a release clause of £92m, and Barca are keen to activate it to make the Argentine their new central striker.