An interesting transfer news has emerged of late as Manchester United are linked with a “swap” deal invlovling Juan Mata for Phillipe Coutinho. The Sport reports that the Brazilian is surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou and he might make way for United’s number 8.

He looks a shadow of the player he was at Liverpool
Liverpool have no interest in a reunion but United haven't commented on the stories.

Barcelona want in excess of €100 million for the player and United made contact with Coutinho's agent over his availability. #MUFC #LFC pic.twitter.com/1jIAKlT7tK

— george diamataris (@90min_plus3) January 22, 2019

As the bad history between FC Barcelona and Brazilians resurfaces, time and again, this time it is Phillipe Coutino who is rumoured to be unhappy at Barcelona. Coutinho signed for Barcelona from Liverpool for a hefty amount of 160 million euros.

It is believed that Ernesto Valverde does not deem him fit to be deployed in the 3 man midfield that Barcelona employ. He has also not cemented a starting spot on the left wing role. Brought in to replace an aging Iniesta, Valverde is now looking towards Juan Mata to replace him.

There has been no interest or intent from United whatsoever. However, it is still reported that the Red Devils may land Coutinho in exchange for Juan Mata plus 70 million . Barcelona have also signed Frankie De Jong to occupy the midfield role left vacanct by Iniesta. And Ernesto Valverde, apparently, has ”given up” on the player. He does not consider Coutinho to be performing consistently in a midfield 3.

Barcelona would prefer to sell Philippe Coutinho to Manchester United rather than Paris Saint-Germain. (Daily Mirror) #mufc pic.twitter.com/tyrCE8BYUs

— Ammad United  (@Ammadutd) January 26, 2019

The only factor that may affect the deal might be the price, if United are interested and if Barcelona are interested and if Coutinho himself is willing to move to back to England- all in 24 hours. Coutinho has always been a fan favourite at his time at Liverpool and if the deal happens, it will be interesting to see the reactions of both set of fans given the intense rivalry both the clubs share with each other.

Manchester United is known to spend big when it comes to quality players and taking Coutinho’s Premier League record, the Red Devils would not think much to spend a big amount for this transfer.

A proven success in England, Coutinho would be an improvement to the current squad. However, United have a 500K a week player on the payroll already in Alexis Sanchez and hence, balancing the books might get a little difficult but everything good comes for a price.

Coutinho didn't start in this unimportant game, tells you all you need to know about his situation in the club.

— MB (@Ulale_Mufc) January 23, 2019

It is going to be an interesting transfer, although highly unlikely to go down. Manchester United now face Leicester City as they travel to King Power Stadium as they look to continue their unbeaten run after a draw against Burnley at Old Trafford.

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