Manchester City have reportedly identified Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho as David Silva’s long-term replacement.
The Brazilian, 23, is also a target for European champions Barcelona. This is according to the Daily Mirror’s David Anderson, who reports: ‘[City] see the Brazil international as the perfect long-term replacement for David Silva in the No 10 playmaker role.”
“Silva turns 30 in January and City have identified Coutinho, 23, as one of their top targets as they begin drawing up their hitlist for 2016.”
“The Blues have proved that they are prepared to spend big to get who they want and the bidding for Coutinho will start at around £50 million because he signed a long-term deal at Anfield in February.”
Coutinho has been one of Liverpool’s top performers since joining The Reds from Inter Milan in 2013 for a meagre £8.5 million, so they are likely to resist any approaches from their rivals for his services. But failure to qualify for the Champions League again this season may tempt Coutinho to seek pastures new as he looks to develop his career on the bigger stage.
In what was a difficult season for Liverpool last term, Coutinho was one of the few bright sparks for them; racking up eight goals and six assists in all competitions.
If he were to swap red for blue, he would have to fight for a starting berth with the likes of old team-mate Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne, but his agent says that he is ‘very happy’ at Liverpool.
Would Coutinho be a good replacement for David Silva? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @ReadManCity.
