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Chelsea have already held secret talks with Philippe Coutinho over a summer transfer from Barcelona, according to reports from Spain.

Coutinho has been linked with a return to the Premier League this summer after failing to live up to his potential since his switch from Liverpool in 2018.

The Brazil midfielder had hoped to secure a permanent switch to loan club Bayern Munich but the Bundesliga giants have decided not to exercise their option to buy.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been linked with moves for Coutinho, but Chelsea have already spoken with the 27-year-old's representatives, according to Spanish publication Sport.

With Barcelona set to sell for around £80million, Chelsea will hope their good working relationship with Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian can smooth the way for a deal to be struck.

(Image: Bongarts/Getty Images)

Barcelona's asking price is a significant mark down from the deal they agreed with Liverpool, which cost an initial £106m up front with a further £36m due in add-ons - some of which have already been met.

Camp Nou boss Quique Setien was open to the idea of Coutinho returning to the club and joining back up with the first team.

But amid the current coronavirus crisis, Barca need to make one major sale to boost their transfer kitty, and plan on using cash from Coutinho's exit to fund moves for other targets.

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and PSG's Neymar are top of Barcelona's wishlist, but neither will come cheap.

(Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)

That rules out any likelihood of a loan agreement for Coutinho, unless it includes an obligation to buy.

Coutinho has still managed to record a decent season in Germany, providing nine goals and eight assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, with only 22 of those coming as starts.