After Defeat, Abramovich Contact Brazilian Playmaker

Premier League giants Chelsea and Abramovich have contacted Spanish La Liga champions Barcelona for the transfer of midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

According to the Daily Express, the Blues are keen on a move for Brazilian international playmaker Philippe Coutinho who would cost at least £100m.

Coutinho has not been able to secure a spot in the Barcelona XI since he joined the club almost a year ago.

The transfer made the former Inter Milan player the third most expensive player behind the forward duo of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

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Mbappe and Neymar play for French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

Barcelona paid £142m to secure his signing from Premier League leaders Liverpool in January 2018 but it has not worked well for him like he would have wanted.

Coutinho left the Reds in a controversial manner as he held out for a transfer to the Spanish champions.

The 26-year-old has not been able to impress at Barcelona on a consistent basis and that has led to talks of a move away from the club with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea linked with a transfer for him.

Philippe Coutinho has scored four Spanish La Liga goals in just 10 starts for the Blaugrana this term.