Real Madrid and Manchester United to battle it out for €120 million star, Chelsea want Barcelona superstar as Eden Hazard replacement and more: Transfer Roundup, 7 February 2019

Chelsea want Philippe Coutinho as Eden Hazard replacement

Coutinho is struggling to make an impact at Barcelona

Chelsea are growing increasingly resigned to the fact that they will lose Eden Hazard in the summer. As a result, they are already cooking up contingency plans and prominent among them is a potential move for out-of-favour Barcelona ace Philippe Coutinho, according to the Independent.

As per the report, Chelsea are keeping an eye on the Brazilian whose future is growing increasingly uncertain at the Camp Nou after yet another dismal performance; this time in El Clasico where he was tipped to shine in the absence of Lionel Messi.

Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the playmaker. Coutinho joined Barcelona in the winter transfer window of 2018 amid huge fanfare. He started brilliantly but ever since his form has faded and has hit disappointing lows.

Liverpool are not keen on taking him back to Anfield. However, Barcelona have now sent a message to the interested clubs. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu told Marca,

‘We expect a lot from him [Coutinho],’

‘We do not want to sell him, he’s one of the good players we want to have.’