Everton could make loan bid for Philippe Coutinho
Everton are one of the clubs showing keen interest in signing Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona in the January window, according to reports from Sport.
The likes of Newcastle United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the Brazilian’s signature, but Everton seem to be heading the race.
The former Liverpool attacking midfielder has struggled in Spain and Barcelona are desperate to offload him.
The report claims that Everton could only make a loan move for him in January. They are also not keen to pay his massive wages, and would prefer to pay just half his wages.
Coutinho personally doesn’t fancy a move to Newcastle. His agent is sorting out moves for him, and Everton reportedly have made an official move [Mundo Deportivo].
Gamble
Coutinho was a heartthrob at Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp previously hailed him as a “world-class” player.
The 29-year-old has failed to make an impact at Camp Nou since joining from Liverpool on a big-money transfer and now finds himself in limbo.
He is not in Xavi Hernandez’s first-team plans and not many clubs are in a strong financial position to afford him.
Coutinho has barely played regularly over the past three years, and despite his obvious talent, his signing would be a big gamble.
Everton need to bolster their attacking department. While signing a backup striker is necessary, Benitez could look to add another attacking midfielder cum winger as well.
Coutinho has got plenty of Premier League experience but doubts remain about his willingness to resurrect his career.
Benitez can forge a strong partnership between him and Richarlison, but there are better options out there in the market.
In other Everton news, this BT Sports pundit was left stunned by what one Toffees ace did in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea
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