Tottenham want to sign Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho on a free transfer, according to reports in Spain.
Since joining Barcelona from Liverpool, Coutinho has struggled for consistency in La Liga and has spent time on loan at Bayern Munich, where he won the Champions League.
It now appears Barcelona and Coutinho are ready to end their relationship, and a return to the Premier League could be on the cards.
Spanish outlet El Nacional claims Newcastle United are interested, but Spurs could throw a spanner in the words with a move of their own.
It is believed Tottenham are willing to take Coutinho off Barcelona’s hands by paying his wages in full.
However, the Londoners do not want to pay a fee – Barcelona president Joan Laporta will have to decide whether cutting the club’s wage bill is worth losing Coutinho for nothing.
Would it be a good deal for Spurs? Signing a player of Coutinho’s level for free shouldn’t be scoffed at, but the Brazilian probably isn’t worthy of being the club’s highest earner.
With that in mind, perhaps Tottenham should be looking at other targets – it will be interesting to see what happens.
