Newcastle United could enhance their chances to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer, but they have to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Magpies, who are currently managed by Steve Bruce, will see their current manager being replaced by Pochettino, when PCP Capital Partners take control over the club from their current owner Mike Ashley.
Last year when Pochettino was still Tottenham manager he was interested in signing Coutinho from Barcelona, and as it seems he remains a keen admirer of the 27-year-old Brazilian.
The transfer broke down as it was reported Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy irreparable enmity with the Brazilian’s agent (Kia Joorabchian) over the Willian transfer saga in August 2013.
However, Philippe Coutinho is currently on a loan spell from Barcelona to Bayern Munich, but the Bundesliga leaders are unlikely to trigger the £105m buy clause in his contract.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused serious financial problems for the Catalans and they have reduced their asking price for the player to £88m.
Pochettino and Coutinho have worked together, when the Argentinian was a manager of Espanyol. Pochettino would surely relish a reunion with the Brazilian at St James’ Park, but only if Coutinho fancies the ambitious project on Tyneside.
Recently the 27-year-old Brazilian has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Leicester City, both of which sides can assure him that he will play in the Champions League next year unlike the Magpies.
