Lazio keen on Coutinho signing

Reports in Italy suggest that Serie A side Lazio are trying to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona. The newspaper 'La Gazzetta Dello Sport' has stressed that it would be a difficult operation to carry out, but suggests that the Italians remain hopeful that they will be able to sign the player on loan.

The outlet reports that Coutinho is desperate to play in next season's Champions League, which would make it difficult for Maurizio Sarri to convince him to make the move to Rome.

However, according to the report, Barça would be willing to supplement some of the player's 9 million euro salary, as Lazio would not be able to assume his full pay packet.

Before any serious offer can be made, however, Lazio would need to sell players in order to reduce their wage bill. Just like Barça, they are currently struggling to adhere to FFP rules.

Barça's sporting directors had planned to sell Coutinho this window, although Koeman has told the club that he isn't against the idea of him staying now that he has recovered from his knee injury. Taking into account Aguero's ten-week layoff and Messi's departure, the attacking midfielder may yet have a role to play this season.