Manchester United have emerged as surprise contenders to pursue the services of Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho. The Brazil international has been in a purple patch for the Reds this campaign, contributing 12 goals and eight assists in just 18 matches.
Barcelona’s ongoing interest in Coutinho has been a regular topic of discussion in the media, but according to Don Balon, they could face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and new admirers United.
The Merseyside rivals turned down multiple bids from Barcelona for their leading midfielder last summer, and it is likely that they would hold onto their player for the season at the least before making a final decision.
A player of Coutinho’s caliber would undoubtedly add significant quality to the United ranks, especially in the number 10 role, where the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard during the course of the current season.
Regardless of the speculation, a deal looks far off from happening with Coutinho leaning towards a move to Barcelona with whom he is alleged to have agreed personal terms, while the Reds will want to avoid selling to a direct league rival.
Manchester United struggled to showcase a cutting edge in their play against Southampton on Saturday, and this sees them drop to third in the Premier League standings, just three points ahead of Philippe Coutinho’s Liverpool.
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