Chelsea Eyeing Liverpool Target As Replacement For 100m-rated Talisman

West London giants Chelsea have made Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho a major transfer target to replace star forward Eden Hazard if he leaves the club in the summer.

This is according to the Independent which revealed that the Blues see Brazilian international Coutinho as the man to replace Real Madrid-linked Hazard.

Liverpool, Manchester United and French champions Paris Saint Germain (PSG) have also been touted as a possible destination for Coutinho who’s unsettled at Spanish La Liga club Barcelona.

The 26-year-old has endured a frustrating first year at the Nou Camp since he joined the club in a £142m transfer from Premier League leaders Liverpool thus making him the third most expensive signing in the history of world football.

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Coutinho has failed to justify the huge price tag with his inconsistent displays for Barcelona especially this season.

He has scored just four goals and provided two assists in the league this term.

Chelsea could offer him a route out of his Barcelona misery as a replacement for Eden Hazard if the Belgian national team captain leaves the club for Real Madrid.

The European champions want to sign him this summer as they look to replace Cristiano Ronaldo who left the club for Juventus last summer.

Reports earlier today claim that Chelsea will demand at least £100m from Real Madrid for Hazard.