Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their bid to sign Barcelona attacker Philippe Coutinho, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claimed via their live transfer blog on Thursday [1:22pm] that Coutinho, 26, is ready to quit the Nou Camp this summer despite only joining Barcelona from Liverpool last January.
It is understood that the Brazilian playmaker could now be on his way back to the Premier League and is viewed as a potential “marquee signing” by Man United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to add to his squad after a disappointing season.
Good move for Manchester United?
Coutinho has not had the best of time at Barcelona but he has still managed to win two La Liga titles and play a key role in the first team at the Nou Camp.
The former Liverpool attacker made 54 appearances in all competitions this season for Barca, scoring 11 goals and supplying five assists in the process.
Clearly there are fans and people at the Nou Camp who would want to see more from Coutinho, but you would be wrong to suggest that there is anyone at Old Trafford who is better than the Brazil international in his role.
Coutinho would walk into that Man United side an improve it within an instant.
This is Futbol rating 10/10
Likely to happen?
If Coutinho wants to quit the Nou Camp then there are only several clubs in world football that have the finances and the prestige to lure him towards them – and Man United is one of them.
While it probably won’t take his £353million release clause to be triggered to sign him, it might still cost a lot of money to sign Coutinho.
However if some players are sold and funds are freed up, then this could be the signing of the summer in the Premier League.
This is Futbol rating 4/10