Everton are reportedly readying a bid to sign former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho in the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian notched 54 goals and 45 assists in 201 appearances for Liverpool before making a club-record move to Barcelona in January 2018.
But he has endured a tough time in Spain following his £120million move, has struggled to recreate his Anfield form and has been criticised throughout much of his time at the Nou Camp.
After 18 months of relative ignominy, Coutinho spent last season on loan with Bayern Munich, contributing to their Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Cup crowns in an historic treble season.
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But the German giants didn’t take up their option to sign Coutinho on a permanent basis and he returned to Barca for the start of this season.
He was in favour under Ronald Koeman and performed well initially before a meniscus injury which required surgery kept him continuing to restore his reputation among the Catalans.
And now, according to Marca, Barcelona’s strong run in his absence has prompted Ronald Koeman to consider offloading the midfielder this summer.
Coutinho has been linked with a return to Liverpool, but the report claims that fierce Merseyside rivals Everton have now tabled an interest.
The report claims the Toffees are readying a €40million bid for the Brazil international in the upcoming transfer window, with Carlo Ancelotti said to be a big admirer.
While speaking about a possible return to the Premier League in November of last year, Coutinho said: “The Premier League is one of the most exciting leagues in the world and to have the chance to play there with a team like Liverpool will always be something I will feel grateful for.
“It is impossible to say what might or might not happen in the future – but what I know is that right now my only focus is on being successful with Barcelona.”
Before his agent, Kia Joorabchian, added on his client’s future at the time: “I have not heard anything and we have no plans to move from Barca, and yes that Coutinho can contribute to a successful season.”
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