Two Premier League clubs interested in signing Barcelona flop

With the January transfer window only a week away, Barcelona are hoping to make the most of the opportunity to make tweaks to their roster.

There has been a major positive development already as far as the Catalans are concerned, as they have struck an agreement with Manchester City for the signing of Ferran Torres.

Once that deal is done and dusted, the Blaugrana will likely look to sign a new striker. However, as director Mateu Alemany alluded to earlier this week, player sales will be of paramount importance for the club for them to stay within the La Liga salary cap limits and register new players.

One player who Barça are desperate to get off their books in the winter is Philippe Coutinho. Set to complete four years at Camp Nou next month, the 29-year-old’s signing has proven to be a huge dud for the club.

Signed for a record fee, the Brazilian has not lived up to the expectations that came along with the size of investment that was made to sign him. Out of favour under all the previous managers and now Xavi Hernandez, the ex-Liverpool star’s time at Barcelona could well end in January.

According to AS (h/t Fichajes), two clubs from the Premier League are interested in taking Coutinho off of Barcelona’s hands in January.

Everton, who are in the market for a new creative midfielder after having let James Rodriguez leave earlier this year, are credited with an interest in the Barça playmaker. Despite his past association with local rivals Liverpool, the Toffees are keen on securing his services.

The second English club keen on landing the Brazilian are Newcastle United. Backed by their rich new owners, the Magpies are looking to make high-profile signings that could help them get out of the relegation muddle.

Thanks to their newfound riches, Newcastle are in a position to pay Barcelona’s asking price and match Coutinho’s wages. Furthermore, given his past with Liverpool, a move to Everton might not be favourable, making the Magpies a better fit for the 29-year-old.