Barcelona and Chelsea discussing loan deal for Philippe Coutinho

Barcelona and Chelsea discussing loan deal for Philippe Coutinho

 Pihilippe Coutinho se va a convertir en uno de los nombres que más va a sonar este verano / | Perform

Negotiations are advancing over possible move for the Brazil star this summer

Barcelona's absolute priority is to move players on this summer. The sooner the better. One of the players who has long been up for sale is Philippe Coutinho, currently on loan at Bayern Munich. 

His agents have been looking at options in the Premier League. There are currently talks with Chelsea and there is optimism about a loan deal, although there is no final agreement. Barça are pushing for the buy option to be obligatory, but everything is in the air at the moment. 

Coutinho's agents have strong links in England and that's where they have focused their efforts. The Premier League didn't come through last summer and the Brazilian ended up at Bayern Munich, but the German club are unlikely to take up their option to sign him permanently. 

Chelsea have always had Coutinho on their shortlist following the exit of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid. Last summer a transfer ban prevented them making a move. 

However, that ban is now up and Coutinho is one of their priorities. Barça are asking for 90 million euros (they paid 160 million for him) and the English club's valuation is a long way short of that. However, the coronavirus crisis could further reduce prices in the world of football. 

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A loan is what is on the table at the moment. Chelsea would take on Coutinho's salary and there would be an option to buy. Barça have suggested 65 million -- but that it be obligatory. Chelsea would be happy to fix it higher if it meant it was optional. 

Frank Lampard is convinced that he can get the best out of Coutinho. However, there could also be competition from other English clubs. Manchester United, Tottenham, Everton and Leicester are other options, although the latter may struggle to do the deal financially. 

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