Manchester City eyeing classy Coutinho in summer squad overhaul
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are planning a summer swoop for Liverpool’s deadly Brazilian Philippe Coutinho, after the Samba star recently fired the Reds into the FA Cup semi-final.
Brendan Rodgers’ men have struggled in recent weeks, having lost back-to-back league games against top-flight rivals Manchester United and Arsenal, but classy Coutinho’s second-half strike at Ewood Park helped recover some of their recent domestic disappointment.
The rejuvenated Reds are now 43/23 with Coral to claim an FA Cup triumph this term, with their brilliant Brazilian having secured a 1-0 away win to set up a Wembley clash with top tier relegation battlers Aston Villa.
Manuel Pellegrini’s City have also endured a poor run of late, losing three of their last four outings in all competitions, but they will reportedly aim to revamp their current squad this coming summer with a core of English stars, along with Liverpool’s Brazil international.
Coutinho could provide City with that creative spark and direct approach that has been lacking in previous showings, with the Brazil international forward currently enjoying a successful season on the red half of Merseyside.
A host of City’s recognised senior attackers are reportedly set to depart the Etihad this summer, with the majority of Pellegrini’s stars closing in on 30 years of age, including the likes of England international James Milner, African Cup of Nations victor Yaya Toure and towering frontman Eden Dzeko.
City will hope they can lure a variety of young talent to the blue half of Manchester this summer and begin a squad clear out, with Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Liverpool trio Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling all top transfer targets.
With an overhaul expected to occur, City will want to acquire plenty of English stars in their ranks to accompany potential new signing Coutinho, as his current employers look seemingly likely to miss out on a Champions League position for next term, after falling seven points adrift of the current champions.
The sublime Samba starlet has notched up six goals this current campaign, following the recent penning of a new long-term deal at Anfield, including a stunning winning effort against City in a 2-1 triumph last month.
Despite being tied down until 2020, it is believed that a substantial offer for the 22-year-old could persuade Liverpool to part company with their prolific playmaker, having joined for £8m from Inter Milan in 2013.
Coutinho will surely be aiming to feature regularly in Europe’s elite club competition in his career, but his current side are well off the pace for a top four finish, and are now 6/1 to claim one of those coveted European positions.
