Chelsea could lose out on Philippe Coutinho this summer thanks to interest from fellow Premier League rivals Newcastle United, according to the Express.
Yes, Newcastle United, the club which were relegated a couple of seasons ago have now the capability of bidding for the biggest stars in Europe thanks to their soon-to-be new owners.
The Magpies are about to be taken over by a Saudi consortium meaning the club are preparing to spend a whole lot of money in the transfer market during the summer. And it looks like Philippe Coutinho will be their first big target.
Coutinho has been a major flop since moving to Barcelona from Liverpool but this summer, the Brazilian has been tipped for a return back to the Premier League as Chelsea look to reinforce their squad for the upcoming season.
Multiple reports have suggested Chelsea are pretty close to agreeing on a transfer but now this interest from NUFC could very well derail their efforts to land the playmaker.
Why Newcastle United will not be able to convince Coutinho:
The entry of Newcastle United is surely a cause of concern for Frank Lampard but we believe Coutinho will still choose a move to Stamford Bridge due to a number of seasons.
Firstly, the Brazilian will be looking to play in the Champions League next season which is something NUFC cannot offer at the time being.
Secondly, the new-look Newcastle United are just about to take their first big steps meaning a lot of chopping and changing could go on in the squad over the next few seasons. So the 27-year-old will not wish to be part of a failed project and doom his professional career for good.
Thirdly, if Coutinho was to agree on a move to Newcastle, the playmaker will be the only superstar in the side which means all the burden will fall on his shoulders. And this could very well cause a major impact on his performances.
So even though the interest from the Magpies are sure to cause some headaches for Frank Lampard and his side but we strongly feel it will be Chelsea who will get their hands on the Barcelona misfit during the upcoming transfer window.
