Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of landing Philippe Coutinho have just received a huge blow as the latest reports from Spain indicate that Barcelona have U-turned on their original plans to sell the star.
Spurs have been linked with a move for Coutinho since it emerged that Bayern Munich will not be taking up the option to sign him permanently at the end of the season (Mirror).
Tottenham were said to be competing with Chelsea for the 27-year-old’s signature this summer (Nicolo Schira).
However, Marca now reports that the Catalan giants have realised that no club is likely to pay their asking price for the midfielder amidst the current financial climate and have thus decided to keep him.
The report reveals Barcelona coach, Quique Setien, believes the former Liverpool star can be more effective next season when used as a number eight instead of as a false winger on the left.
Spurs Web Opinion
The Coutinho transfer was never likely to happen this summer unless Barcelona were willing to lower their valuation. I thought that the Catalans might loan him out again to get him off their wage bill but it looks as if they have decided to hang on to him, at least until next summer.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
