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19
Tue, Mar

Philippe Coutinho and Eden Hazard May Replace Neymar At Barcelona

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Liverpool has rejected a €80 million (£72.2 million) offer from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho, but the Camp Nou giants are confident they will sign the attacker. According to Daily Star, Coutinho is Barca's main priority as they attempt to replace Neymar. The Camp Nou giants could bid up to £120 million for the Anfield hero.


Spanish newspaper Sport reported the La Liga side will send a delegation to Merseyside in order to conclude a deal for the South American.

Coutinho will have a huge act to follow if he departs the Reds to fill the void left by Neymar in Spain.

The Liverpool star scored 13 goals and created seven assists in the Premier League last term, according to WhoScored.com, but the expectations to increase that haul will be huge at Barca.

If Barca fails in their bid for Coutinho, Eden Hazard of Chelsea could emerge as a target, with the Catalans desperate to add flair.

Per Sean Kearns of Metro, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has admitted he will not be able to retain the Belgium international if the Blues agree on a transfer with Barca.

"Eden Hazard is a really top player, but I repeat I am the coach and I can give my opinion. But the final decision is always the club's," Conte said. "I expect Eden to play for Chelsea. It is not the right moment to lose a player or players."

Hazard remains injured at present but observed from the sidelines as Chelsea lost the FA Community Shield to Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The Belgian was pivotal as the Blues were clear winners of the Premier League last term, and he has the star power to replace Neymar in the MSN trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

However, with Chelsea back in the UEFA Champions League after a year-long absence, it is highly unlikely they will sell their most precious asset so close to the start of the new campaign.