According to SPORT, Philippe Coutinho has angered his teammates at Barcelona, amid talk that Newcastle are interested in signing him.
What’s the story?
Well, Coutinho’s time at the Camp Nou has been miserable, and it now looks even more likely that he’ll leave, potentially for Newcastle.
SPORT believe the £146m man was told off by a ‘heavyweight’ in the dressing room, after basically refusing to warm up during Barcelona’s 3-3 draw against Celta Vigo.
The Spanish news outlet explain how Coutinho warmed up lethargically, while his general attitude in training and games has annoyed teammates.
SPORT believe it is not the first time the 29-year-old has been told off in the dressing room at Barcelona.
Additionally, SPORT describe Coutinho as the player most likely to leave Catalonia, after SPORT (again) wrote that Newcastle were keen to bring the attacker to Tyneside.
Philippe Coutinho issues are good for Newcastle
Following SPORT‘s report, we can’t help but feel Newcastle’s chances of signing the Brazil international have been given a boost.
It seems everyone at Barcelona is fed up with the ex-Liverpool man, and his time with the Spanish giants is coming to an end.
Even before SPORT shared this news, a different article from SPORT claimed that the arrival of Xavi will push Coutinho closer to the exit door.
In our view, the South American would thrive at Newcastle, and his signing would be a perfect way to kick off the post-Mike Ashley era.
Coutinho boasts plenty of Premier League experience, and the Magpies don’t have a player of his skillset currently in Eddie Howe’s squad.
In that respect, we see no reason why he can’t slot straight into that No.10 spot and fire Newcastle to Premier League survival.
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