Everton boss keen on signing Philippe Coutinho?

New Everton manager Rafael Benitez has urged the club's hierarchy to sign former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho had a disappointing 2020/21 campaign for the Blaugrana. He made just 14 appearances before suffering a serious injury.

He could be fit for the forthcoming season, but reports claim that the Catalan giants are keen on offloading him this summer.

The club are keen on convincing Lionel Messi to sign a new deal. For that, they need to lower their wage bill to meet league rules.

According to Sport, the Toffees could propose a loan deal for Coutinho. They are prepared to pay a significant part of the wages.

The Toffees are willing to offer a decent loan fee, but don't want a compulsory buy option included in the deal.

Coutinho is expected to make a decision over his future in the next few weeks. He has been linked with Leicester City as well.

The Foxes are yet to make any approach for his services.