West London giants Chelsea have been dealt a big transfer blow in the wake of the news that Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho prefers a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United if he decides to leave his club this summer.
Popular media outlet Goal claim that Brazilian international Coutinho has already told his friends that he prefers a move to Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with both Chelsea and Manchester United ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
He has struggled to make a positive impact at Barcelona.
French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain (PSG) have also been touted as a possible transfer destination for Coutinho.
It was revealed that £86m would be enough to secure his transfer from Barcelona.
Philippe Coutinho has been a flop at Barcelona since joining the Catalan giants from Liverpool at the start of last year.
Barcelona paid the Reds £142m to secure the signing of Coutinho.
The Brazilian playmaker was booed by his fans during Barcelona’s 3-1 win over lowly Rayo Vallecano.
A chorus of boos filled the Nou Camp stadium after Coutinho was substituted for Ivan Rakitic during the 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.
Coutinho was largely anonymous for Barcelona against the relegation threatened club.
He has scored just four league goals for Barcelona this season.
