Manchester United are interested in signing former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have joined Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.

Brazilian forward Coutinho developed into a fans’ favourite at Anfield before completing a dream move to Barcelona in January 2018.

Coutinho cost the Spanish giants more than £100million but he has so far struggled to justify his huge price-tag.

The 27-year-old was sent on a season-long loan to Bayern Munich last summer and is being strongly linked with Chelsea ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.


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Frank Lampard is keen to bolster his squad at Stamford Bridge and Coutinho, who scored 54 goals in 201 appearances for Liverpool, has been identified as a target.



But Chelsea face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United in the race to sign Coutinho, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Despite emerging as a target for Chelsea and United, Coutinho has been advised to stay at Barcelona by club legend Rivaldo.

‘It looks like Bayern Munich won’t pay Philippe Coutinho’s option clause at the end of the season and the player is likely to return to Barcelona,’ Rivaldo told Betfair.

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‘I always thought Coutinho would adapt better to Spanish football than German, as there are some language and lifestyle issues that could be a little different for a Brazilian in Germany.

‘Unfortunately, it hasn’t gone well for the player in either league and he will be returning to Barcelona. It’s up to the club and manager to decide whether he is going to have another chance next season or not.

‘If the chance comes, Coutinho really needs to step up and show the great player he is, just like he did in England with Liverpool and has done with the Brazilian national team for which he is still an important player.

‘I believing in his qualities and think much will depend on his will and mental strength. He must prove that others were wrong to write him off and that he can still make the difference for any team.

‘Playing for Barcelona is a unique chance for a player and perhaps Coutinho’s experience in the Bundesliga has made him wake up and see that Barca could be the right place for him.

‘Of course, it might not turn out to be the case and he could join a Premier League club (Chelsea seems interested). Barca might prefer to get back some of his investment in the player.

‘I think Coutinho should fight to stay at Barca and try to convince the club of his qualities. That would be a real demonstration of his personality.’

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