Brazilian international Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a move away from Barcelona for months now.
According to a report from El Nacional, Barcelona are desperate to get rid of the 29-year-old midfielder because of his massive wages and his status in the squad.
Barcelona signed the player for a fee of around €135 million from Liverpool. Still, he has failed to live up to the expectations, and Coutinho has now dropped down the pecking order at the Spanish club, and he is no more than just a squad option for Xavi Hernandez.
Joan Laporta is keen on cashing in on the player, and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in securing his services.
However, Antonio Conte is looking to take advantage of Barcelona’s financial crisis and sign the Brazilian midfielder on a free transfer.
The Italian manager believes that Barcelona could be tempted to get rid of continuous massive wages of around €22 million per year, and it could help Tottenham land the player on a bargain.
Coutinho played his best football in the Premier League before leaving for Barcelona, and a return to England could do wonders for his confidence and belief.
The report further states that the player’s agent has impressive ties in English football, and he could look to take the Brazilian to Everton or Arsenal as well.
Newcastle United have been linked with the player in the past, but it seems that Coutinho is unwilling to take a backward step in his career and join a mid-table team like Newcastle.
