According to reports, Chelsea are leading the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho ahead of the summer transfer window.
The former Liverpool midfielder has failed to make much of an impact at the Nou Camp since his £145 million transfer from Liverpool back in 2018 and the Blues are hoping he will return to his best at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea want to take Coutinho on loan for next season for a fee of £13 million as well as paying his wages in full and then sign him permanently next year if he impresses during his loan spell at Stamford Bridge.
According to Daily Mail, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard sees Coutinho as a replacement for his Brazilian compatriot Willian, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires this summer.
Willian is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season after failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension. Willian wants a three year deal but Chelsea are only willing to offer the Brazilian a two year deal.
Coutinho has made just 76 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 21 goals, since his move from Anfield in January 2018.