Barça offer Premier League sides the chance to sign Coutinho on loan

FC Barcelona have begun talks with various Premier League clubs as they look to offload Philippe Coutinho before Thursday's transfer deadline. Of those asked, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have expressed an interest in discussing a deal. The Brazilian has previously said he wouldn't want to play for anyone but Liverpool but with Barça needing the wage room for Neymar, he might not have a choice.

These moves began last week when, as revealed by SPORT, the club made it clear to the player that his future lied away from the Camp Nou. Most expected Coutinho to be included in a swap deal involving Neymar. However, Leonardo's arrival at the club has cooled that idea and now everything points to the Premier League.

Over in England, with the transfer window closing on Thursday afternoon, plenty of deals remain in the balance. Eriksen could leave Spurs to join United, but the two clubs are yet to agree a fee. If Eriksen stays in North London, United could sign Coutinho as an alternative. If Eriksen does move, then Spurs would be favourites to sign the Brazilian.

Coutinho is aware of all these movements as he finds himself in the United States with Barcelona. It's setting up to be a crazy 48 hours. Barça aren't worried and believe, should a move to the Premier League fall through, another European side will offer Coutinho an escape route.