Philippe Coutinho could be set for a loan move to Bayern Munich, according to reports in Spain.
Catalan radio station RAC1 claim talks between Barcelona and Bayern are ongoing about a one-year loan deal for the Brazilian playmaker.
Coutinho appears to have fallen out of favour at the Camp Nou, and his departure - albeit temporary - would free up a place in the squad and funds to facilitate a potential return of Neymar to the club.
RAC1 say there would be no fee involved in Coutinho's loan deal to Bayern, but the Bundesliga champions would have to foot the former Liverpool man's salary of €11m for the year. The deal would include and end-of-season purchase clause, but it's not known if the clause would be optional or mandatory.
Coutinho had been linked with both Arsenal and Tottenham before the Premier League transfer window closed, but now has until September 2 to find another destination in Europe - should he want one.
Speaking last week, Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde seemed to favour hanging on to the ex-Liverpool man, "We don't know what will happen, but Philippe is a player who's here with us and we think he'll stay with us."
Bild's head of football, Christian Falk says Coutinho has been offered to Bayern - not vice versa - and that Bayern are seeing if there is a position for him in the squad.
Because of many requests: Not true: Bayern enquired about Philippe Coutinho through his representatives. True: Coutinho was offered Bayern. True: Bayern his searching for his position
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) August 12, 2019
The latter claim may be muddied somewhat by Ivan Perisic's impending arrival from Inter. The Croatian international has undergone a medical ahead of a loan move from the Serie A side.
Leroy Sané was believed to be Bayern's number-1 target, but the Manchester City winger sustained an anterior cruciate ligament in the Community Shield and will miss most of the season as a result.
Bayern saw the likes of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and James Rodriguez depart the Allianz Arena during the summer, with big money spent on French international full-backs Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez. Their lack of attacking reinforcements sparked frustration from Robert Lewandowski last week, with the Polish striker telling reporters, "We need another attacking winger - even if Sane comes," he added, before suggesting "perhaps a No.6 or a central attacker."
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