EVERTON have joined the race to sign out-of-favour Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazil international appears to be heading for the Nou Camp exit after struggling for game time under new boss Xavi.
The club legend is setting about a rebuild after the disastrous reign of former manager Ronald Koeman.
And with a squad packed with young attacking talent, there is little room for the 29-year-old Coutinho.
That has set alarm bells ringing among a host of Premier League clubs, with the Toffees the latest to cast their eye in the forward’s direction.
Spanish outlet AS reports the ex-Liverpool star could be about to move to the blue half of Merseyside.
That would see him link up with former Reds boss Rafa Benitez, although the pair’s time did not overlap at Anfield.
Everton face a transfer battle with the likes of Newcastle and Tottenham to land their man.
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The relegation-threatened Magpies would face a tall order in tempting Countinho to Tyneside – but they have the funds to do so following their Saudi-led takeover.
Spurs meanwhile have been searching for a playmaker since the departure of Christian Eriksen to Inter Milan back in January last year.
Countinho has struggled to adapt to life in Catalonia since his blockbuster £145million move in 2018.
He spent the 2019-20 season out on loan at Bayern Munich but is now looking for a career lifeline away from Xavi’s new regime.
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