Bad news for United as Coutinho sets for Chelsea move

Chelsea are reportedly leading Manchester United in the race for Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho, that’s according to reports emanating from Camp Nou this afternoon.

The Blues aren’t doing well at the final half of the pitch and Sarri has called on his employers to shop for an attacking player.

Luckily for Sarri, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is looking to end his relationship with Brazilian star Phillipe Coutinho this month after the player’s inability to live up to his billing since his move from Liverpool one year ago.

The Catalans president has reportedly met with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich over the possibility of swapping the Brazilian for Belgian star Eden Hazard.

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Spanish media El Gol Digital reports on Sunday that Bartomeu is ready to beat Real Madrid to Hazard’s services as he wants to offer the former Liverpool star as a makeshift for Hazard’s signature.

This report is definitely a bad one for United’s interim manager Solskjaer who has reportedly made the Brazilian his prime target at the ongoing transfer window.

The Norwegian is targeting a move for two world-class and attack-minded midfielders — Coutinho and Carrasco — and Bartomeu’s decision to offer the Brazilian to Chelsea is a major setback to his transfer plans.

However, it is yet to be seen if Sarri would accept the Blaugranas’ proposed deal. The Italian manager can’t afford to lose the Belgian at the middle of the season.

In fact, the former Napoli manager has told his employers to offer a new deal to the playmaker as soon as possible in order to prevent any suitor from luring the 27-year-old out of Stamford Bridge in the near future