Barcelona 'expecting Chelsea to make Philippe Coutinho transfer approach'

Barcelona are reportedly preparing to receive an offer from Chelsea for Philippe Coutinho this summer.

Winger Coutinho is wanted by the Blues this summer as they prepare for Eden Hazard's upcoming transfer to Real Madrid .

The Brazilian has struggled in his season and a half at Barca having signed from Liverpool in January 2018 in a £105million.

Coutinho has only managed five goals and two assists at the Nou Camp this season but has been forced to fight for game time with Ousmane Dembele.

Despite his disappointing form, Coutinho is desperate to stay at Barca this summer but there are members of the board at the Catalan giants that are keen to sell, according to Goal.

Coutinho is seen as a Hazard replacement at Chelsea (NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/REX)

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There is also unhappiness among the Barca fans about Coutinho after his celebration against Manchester United in the Champions League.

After scoring Coutinho stuck his fingers in his ears which have led to him being jeered in the last few La Liga fixtures.

Chelsea are expected to receive £86million from the departure of Hazard, with the deal expected to be announced the day after the Europa League final between the Blues and Arsenal .

Once that move is completed, the west London club could turn their attention to capturing Coutinho, but any approach would depend on their FIFA-inflicted transfer ban being delayed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

But they could face competition from Liverpool - who could have a buy-back clause in his contract.

Coutinho is facing a busy summer at Barca (Alex Caparros)

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Anfield legend Phil Thompson reckons Coutinho should be on the Reds' radar this window.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Thompson said: "I would take him back in a heartbeat but it would have to be now.

"You don't want to leave it another 12 months because he still has the ability.

"I would have him back, I don't know about the club, but he is the one with that ability.

"With the club being shrewd, maybe there is a buy-back clause for less than half of what we sold him."