West Ham could use European lure to sign Philippe Coutinho – report
West Ham could persuade Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho to join the club in the summer with his Aston Villa future under major risk, according to the Express.
The Catalonian giants are concerned that the Lions will not pay the £33million transfer fee written into his loan deal at Villa Park as per Birmingham Live.
A recent report by the Express claims that the former Bayern Munich man could be a replacement for Jarrod Bowen as Liverpool potentially making their move for the winger in the summer.
The Irons’ involvement in Europen football next season might be enough to tempt the Brazil international into an east London move as he hunts for a new club after falling massively out of favour in Spain.
Unlikely
Knowing West Ham, this type of deal is very doubtful. He is the exact type of player that Moyes could do with as he tries to kick on to the next level at the club but he would be far too expensive.
The £33million that Villa could pick him up for isn’t too bad but his wages are going to be sky-high. He is on a substantial wage at Barca and there is no way that the Irons would be willing to match what he would want.
It is a real shame because Coutinho’s “magical powers” could take the east London outfit to the next level – building on their huge success this season.
He has so much Champions League and Premier League experience which the Hammers will really need should they win the Europa League and make it to the best club competition in European football next season.
But given his age, it would be a smart move to steer clear of him and opt for a more long term option.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes cannot afford to play Declan Rice in his defence after worrying reports surfaced.
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