Chelsea face Newcastle United threat for Philippe Coutinho

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (h/t Express), Newcastle United have also entered the race to sign Chelsea target Philippe Coutinho in the summer.

Although Newcastle’s takeover by the Saudi consortium still needs to be approved by the Premier League, the Magpies have been busy drawing up lists to strengthen their squad.

Signing the 27-year-old would be a statement of intent on Tyneside. With the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur all linked with the player, him moving to St. James Park will illustrate the newfound pulling power the Magpies possess.

The Brazilian is currently on loan at Bayern Munich after failing to impress at Barcelona. He has been largely underwhelming at the Nou Camp.

Bayern do have an option of signing him but it does not appear as if they will enforce it. With the player having had minor surgery on his ankle last Friday, he might as well have played his last game for the German giants.

Coutinho is keen on a return to the Premier League, where he made a name for himself with Liverpool. The Blues have been in talks with the Catalans regarding a loan move.

Barcelona want to include an obligation to buy while Chelsea are keen to see it remain optional. This standoff has given the Magpies the opportunity to enter the race. (h/t Express)

Coutinho is a proven quantity in the Premier League. At 27, he is in the prime of his career and still has much to offer.

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With Hakim Ziyech already in the bag, the addition of Coutinho would give us an added impetus in the attack. Any further developments remain to be seen.