Newcastle ‘join transfer race’ for Chelsea, Everton target

Philippe Coutino has been linked with a shock move to Newcastle United as speculation continues over the former Liverpool star’s future.

Coutinho could be on his way back to the Premier League this summer, with Chelsea believed to be leading the race to sign the Barcelona misfit.

Tottenham, Everton and Leicester have also been touted as potential destinations for the Brazilian, who has failed to hit the heights of his starring role at Liverpool since making a big-money move to Barca in January 2018.

But Newcastle are the latest club to be mentioned in connection with the 27-year-old, who has spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich.

With the Magpies set for a £300million takeover by a Saudi-led consortium, Mundo Deportivo reports that the Tyneside club would be willing to match Barcelona’s £110m price tag for Coutinho.

The attacking midfielder would be a flagship signing for new owners looking to establish Newcastle as a serious force in the Premier League.

Bayern are believed to be unwilling to pay Barcelona’s asking price to make Coutinho’s switch permanent, while Liverpool have told the player they are not interested in re-signing him.

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Brendan Rodgers was the man who signed Coutinho at Liverpool, which has led to the Leicester connection, while Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is set to splash the cash at Goodison Park and is understood to be an admirer of the Brazilian.

But former Sunderland and Aston Villa forward Darren Bent believes Coutinho would snub a move to the Toffees over fears for the safety of his family, having spent five years at Merseyside rivals Liverpool.