Newcastle have ‘already opened talks’ with Barcelona exit Philippe Coutinho, but any move to St James’ Park is dependent on the completion of the Magpies’ proposed £300million takeover.
The Brazil international – who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich – is also of interest to Tottenham and Everton, while Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have all considered loan moves of their own.
Coutinho is a target for a number of Premier League teams. / D Foodie Images/Getty Images
With his career almost certainly over at the Camp Nou, Coutinho needs to find a new permanent home – and France Football claim Newcastle are now his most likely destination.
But to go ahead, the Premier League will need to green light Newcastle’s proposed takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. To date, the deal has been mired in controversy – with an alleged involvement in an illegal pirate TV and streaming service, as well as human rights violations, among other concerns.
The Premier League has said the matter is being ‘fully considered’, but remains hopeful the takeover will be approved.
Should that be the case, a move for Coutinho – who left Premier League leaders Liverpool in January 2018 in a big-money move – is likely to move to Tyneside, given the injection of cash that will flow into the North East. will If the takeover is not approved, the Brazilian could warm the bench at the Camp Nou next season.
Coutinho is struggling to make an impression at Barcelona. David Ramos/Getty Images
Coutinho broke Barcelona’s transfer record when he joined the club for £105m, but he has underwhelmed in Catalonia, failing to recapture the kind of form that brought him to the club in the first place. . He joined Bayern Munich on loan with an option to buy last summer, but the Bavarians have already decided against exercising that option.
The 27-year-old has made 32 appearances for Bayern Munich – scoring nine goals and providing eight assists – but has been sidelined for the past few months with injury. He is unlikely to force his way back into Hansi Flick’s plans, with Die Rotten currently on a blistering run of form in his absence.