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Barcelona Transfer News: Chelsea’s Willian top alternative to Liverpool’s Coutinho - Given
BARCELONA are right to consider Chelsea’s Willian as an alternative transfer target to Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, says Shay Given.
Barcelona could move for Willian if they fail to sign Philippe Coutinho
Barcelona want to sign Coutinho but Liverpool have so far rejected three offers.
The most recent of those was a £118million bid that was ignored by the Reds last week.
Barca are hoping one final offer can convince Liverpool to sell Coutinho, who has handed in a transfer request.
Sky Sports claim Willian could be targeted late in the transfer window if Barca give up on Coutinho.
And former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given says Willian is the perfect playmaker to replace Neymar at the Nou Camp.
Willian will be a good target for Barcelona
“Willian will be a good target for Barcelona,” Given said on Sky Sports.
“He’s a flair player who they’ve lost in Neymar of course
“You would like to think if Coutinho doesn’t go there they have a Plan B to bring other players in.”
Willian, 29, has started all three of Chelsea’s matches so far this season.
Contrast that to last term, where he made just 21 starts across all competitions - 15 in the Premier League.
Liverpool are desperate to keep Philippe Coutinho away from Barcelona
“For me Chelsea can’t afford to let him go either,” Given said.
“They need to strengthen their squad a bit more.
“But Willian will be looking at 15 games last season (which) wasn’t enough game time personally.
“He did have problems off the pitch but he will want to put that right this season, play more games.
“But the lure of Barcelona, the club of that ilk would be hard to turn down.”