Chelsea target £142m midfielder to replace Eden Hazard

0

Chelsea are targeting Philippe Coutinho as a potential replacement for Eden Hazard, according to reports.

Hazard has sparked fresh speculation surrounding his future this week by revealing that he has already made a decision about whether or not he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season.

Chelsea will be forced to make a decision as the Belgium international will only have a year remaining on his contract this summer.

But reports claim that the west London club will demand in excess of £100 million for the 28-year-old. Chelsea have already secured the signing of Christian Pulisic in a £58m deal from Borussia Dortmund.

But according to The Independent, Chelsea are also keeping tabs on Coutinho with the view of potentially making a move in the summer.

The Brazil international has struggled to make a huge impact at Camp Nou since his £142m move from Liverpool just over a year ago.

And reports in Spain have claimed that the 26-year-old will assess his options at the end of the season.

When asked about potentially leaving Barcelona, Coutinho said in an interview with beIN Sports last week: ‘Nobody knows what will happen in the future.

All I have in my head right now is to work hard.’

Manchester United have also entered the race to sign Coutinho, with reports claiming last month that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have registered their interest with the midfielder’s representatives ahead of a potential transfer at the end of the season.