Manchester city target Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho
Jurgen Klopp is expected to be announced as the new boss of Liverpool tomorrow and his first job is facing trying to hold the Brazilian star Coutinho.
Klopp has already a major plan on his hands. According to the Daily Mirror, Manchester City is preparing to replace David Silva and they see Philippe Coutinho as the perfect heir to the Spanish star’s place in the club.
The 23-year-old Brazilian star and Liverpool midfielder Phillippe Coutinho has 1 goal and 2 assists in 7 appearances in Premiere League season 2015-2016.
City lured Raheem Sterling away from Liverpool in the summer for £49million and now have their sights on Coutinho.
The League-leading Blues see the Brazil International as the perfect long-term replacement for David Silva in the No. 10 playmaker role.
David Silva turns 30 in January and city have identified Coutinho, 23-year-old as one of their top targets as they begin drawing up their hit list for 2016.
The Blues have proved they are prepared to spend big to get who they want and the bidding for Coutinho will start at around £50million because he signed a long-term deal at Anfield in February.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have both been linked with a move for the 23-year-old despite Coutinho saying he is happy at Anfield.
Those claims were backed up his agent Kia Joorabchian. Who denied any talks between Real and himself had taken place.
“Phillippe is extremely happy at Liverpool”
“He signed a new long-term contract toward the end of last season that represents his ambition and his feeling for Liverpool.
“Reports that I have been talking to Real Madrid about Phillippe are not true.”
The English giants Liverpool and their incoming boss Klopp will face a real fight to keep the South American talented midfielder from the Spanish giants Barcelona as the European Champions are also eying on him.
Manchester City and Barcelona are offering Coutinho a platform to fulfill his footballing ambitions as Liverpool has failed to take place in Champions league.
Coutinho has only had one Champions League campaign since joining from Inter Milan in 2013, and his pal and compatriot David Luiz says he will not want to miss out again next season.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Luiz claimed last week that Coutinho could quit Anfield this summer and predicts ALL of Europe’s top clubs would want him if he looks to move.
“Coutinho made the choice to stay at Liverpool without Champions League football this season,” said former Chelsea star Luiz. “I don’t think he will make that choice again.
“If Liverpool doesn’t qualify this season for the Champions League, I am sure he will be the most in-demand player in Europe next summer.”
Phillippe Coutinho is already on high demand as Liverpool is not qualified for the Champions League this season. They are qualified for the Europa League 2015-2016 season.