Newcastle make official Coutinho approach

A report in El Mundo Deportivo outlines how the Magpies have already officially opened negotiations to land the Brazilian from the Blaugrana.

It is even claimed that Newcastle, who are hopeful of a Saudi-backed takeover being completed in the coming weeks, want Mauricio Pochettino – who managed Coutinho at Espanyol – to replace the club’s current boss Steve Bruce.

The report claims that both Pochettino and Rafael Benitez – the club’s former boss who could return to the club if they cannot land the Argentine – have given their approval to any deal for Coutinho.

Bayern Munich – where Coutinho is on a season-long loan arrangement from Barcelona – have an option to buy the Brazil international for €120m at the end of the campaign but multiple reports suggest this will not be exercised.