PHILIPPE COUTINHO’s camp are looking for a way out of the Nou Camp as the Barcelona star remains linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, according to reports.
Philippe Coutinho only left Liverpool for his ‘dream’ Barcelona move last January in a deal worth £142m.
But just a year on and there is already talk of the Brazilian leaving with a return to the Premier League an option.
Despite an impressive first season, Coutinho has failed to live up to expectation this term that has seen Ernesto Valverde opt for Ousmane Dembele and Arturo Vidal instead.
Barcelona are thought to be keen on keeping hold of the talented midfielder despite his struggles though.
And according to the Independent, the view from Barcelona’s hierarchy is that Coutinho’s representatives are looking at other options.
That’s where Liverpool and Manchester United come in.
Reports have suggested the Red Devils have previously held talks by exploring the possibility of bringing Coutinho back to the Premier League.
Talk of a return to Anfield has been mooted but there remains to be any concrete interest from the Reds about sealing his return.
The Independent claim Barca don’t mind the speculation linking their player with a move away as they see it as a way of boosting his importance to the club.
With Barca adamant he won’t be sold they can allow speculation to build without fearing the Brazilian will jump ship.
Coutinho remains under contract with Barca until 2023 and the Catalan giants still view him as having the potential to become Iniesta’s long-term replacement.
The 26-year-old scored his first goal since October in Barca’s 2-1 defeat to Levante last week.
And Valverde insists he remains part of his plans going forward in the second half of the campaign.
“Over the season the games come thick and fast and in some games you aren't so lucky,” he told reporters.
“Coutinho has played some great games with us and we hope he will continue to do so.
“I look more at what he does well, the same with Dembele or Arturo Vidal. It was a tough match the other day in which we lost, sure, but has to help us take a step forward.”
Barca are next in action against Levante in the Copa del Rey on Thursday (8.30pm).
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