Barcelona encouraging Newcastle to take Coutinho off their hands

Barcelona remain hopeful of finding a taker for Philippe Coutinho next month.

Barca coach Xavi has seen enough from Coutinho since replacing Ronald Koeman and has approved his departure.

Offered across the continent, TMW says the midfielder’s €10m-a-year contract demands is to steep for interested clubs, particularly with Barca refusing any type of contribution.

A return to the Premier League for the former Liverpool midfielder, however, could be on.

Despite injury concerns, Newcastle United are in contact about a loan deal for Coutinho to the end of the season