Leicester City enter race to sign former Liverpool star

Leicester City have reportedly emerged as surprise contenders to sign former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona during the summer.

Coutinho is presently on a loan stint with Bayern Munich where he has contributed eight goals and six assists in the Bundesliga.

However, he is widely expected to return to the Camp Nou in the summer, given the German champions have no plans of signing him on a permanent deal.

According to The Mirror, the Foxes have joined the pursuit of the 27-year-old playmaker with manager Brendan Rodgers keen on a reunion with his former Liverpool player.

Manchester United and Chelsea are the other sides in the running to sign the versatile midfielder and it is claimed that the Foxes may not be able to compete financially unless they agree on a temporary deal.

The Foxes are on course to qualify for the Champions League next term despite their average top-flight performances during the backend of the current campaign.

Barcelona are likely to make a couple of marquee signings ahead of next season and Coutinho is one of the high-profile players, who is expected to head through the exit door. They are said to value him at around £90m.