Man City ready to beat Barca to Liverpool talisman with £50m bid

According to reports from Mirror Football yesterday evening, Jurgen Klopp’s first big ask as Liverpool manager will be to fend off interest in Philippe Coutinho – with Barcelona and Manchester City both targeting the attacking midfielder. 

Coutinho has emerged as a key member of the Liverpool starting Xi since signing from Inter Milan in January 2013, produced 14 goals and 19 assists in 87 Premier League appearances.

That saw him included in the Premier League Team of the Year for 2014/15 whilst picking up the Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Year awards at Anfield.

Barcelona sporting director Roberto Fernandez confirmed yesterday that the Brazil international is on the club’s radar, telling radio station Cadena SER; “He’s a great player with fantastic attributes, but we’re also keeping an eye on other players.”

But according to Mirror Football, Manchester City have now re-entered the race to sign Coutinho after attempting to whisk him away from Merseyside during the summer.

The British newspaper claim the South American is ‘one of their top targets’ for 2016 and viewed as the ideal successor to David Silva in the No.10 role, with the Spain international turning 30 in January.

They also allege that due to Coutinho signing a contract extension until 2020 back in February, the Etihad outfit will start the bidding at around £50million – a significant jump from the £22million fee Barcelona are reportedly prepared to offer.

Is Coutinho worth £50million? Comment below!

Also in the news:

Liverpool agree Klopp deal ‘in principle’; hope to reveal on Friday

Brendan, gone with the wind

Liverpool ‘make contact’ with Ligue 1 attacker; Arsenal also keen

Rodgers ‘incredibly disappointed’ to leave Liverpool – full statement

Read more at https://thisisfutbol.com/2015/10/blogs/liverpool-make-contact-with-ligue-1-attacker-arsenal-also-keen#FCGGd8UOw0jldsEw.99

[ad_pod id=’video’ align=’center’]