Everton reportedly interested in £142 million flop heading into January transfer window

Everton reportedly hold an interest in Philippe Coutinho heading into the January transfer window.

The former Liverpool playmaker is said to be waiting for several clubs to 'take a definitive step' and end his Barcelona nightmare.

Background

Coutinho left Anfield for a staggering £142 million for Barca in January 2018.

However, the Brazil international has flattered to deceive during his four years at the Nou Camp.

Despite winning two La Liga titles and a pair of Copa del Reys, Coutinho's struggled to hit the sort of form he consistently produced for Liverpool.

He was shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 season while he's fallen out of favour since club legend Xavi took over as Barca manager last month.

What's been said

Mundo Deportivo reports that the Catalan giants hope to move on some of their higher earners amid the club's financial troubles.

Coutinho's supposedly not in Xavi's future plans and could be moved on.

Everton are one club who are said to have expressed their interest.

A potential return to Liverpool has also been mooted, while moneybags Newcastle have also been mentioned following their Saudi Arabia-backed takeover.

Inter Milan, where Coutinho started his senior career, is another possible destination named.

How likely is it Coutinho will join Everton?

Rafa Benitez is currently short of an out-and-out attacking midfielder in his squad.

It's a position the Everton manager may look to address in the upcoming window.

However, the Toffees have financial problems of their own. Even if it was a loan move, Coutinho's wages wouldn't be cheap.

Everton are already primed to sign Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kiev for £18 million.

Bringing in someone with the profile of Coutinho seems unfathomable and would be a significant gamble given his performances have markedly dipped since he was last in the Premier League.