Liverpool Transfer News: Philippe Coutinho to Manchester City Rumours Emerge

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho is reportedly a transfer target for both Manchester City and Barcelona, making the Reds' need to qualify for the Champions League even greater.

That's according to the Mirror's David Anderson, who reports:

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[City] see the Brazil international as the perfect long-term replacement for David Silva in the No 10 playmaker role.

Silva turns 30 in January and City have identified Coutinho, 23, as one of their top targets as they begin drawing up their hitlist for 2016.

The Blues have proved they are prepared to spend big to get who they want and the bidding for Coutinho will start at around £50 million because he signed a long-term deal at Anfield in February.

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The Brazilian is the key creative force at Anfield, and he was one of the few highlights in a long and difficult season for Liverpool last year, racking up eight goals and six assists in all competitions.

Coutinho offers a significant goal threat from distance and possesses great technique and vision.

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

According to Squawka, the 23-year-old beat an opponent 109 times in the Premier League last year and created an impressive 58 chances. He also showed his work rate in attempting 133 tackles, of which 49 were successful—a respectable return from an attacking midfielder.

Bleacher Report columnist Guillem Balague believes Liverpool's next manager should make the youngster the focal point of his team:

There are still some question marks over his ability to consistently make a positive impact on games, however, as Liverpool writer Dave O'Connell O'Connell notes:

Virgin Media share his fairly uninspiring stats for the current campaign:

The Brazil international would also have to compete with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne. O'Connell believes he won't be moving to the Sky Blues:

At a club like Barcelona, Coutinho would be expected to show his considerable talent on a far more regular basis than he currently manages to even challenge for a starting berth, let alone cement it.

It could all be moot anyway, as according to the player's agent Kia Joorabchian, he is "extremely happy" at the club, per Goal.com's Sacha Pisani.

That said, with a new manager set to arrive imminently, Coutinho isn't likely to launch a "come and get me" plea. He won't want to be frozen out of the new setup—not to mention the new boss could transform their season and make qualifying for the Champions League realistic.

If Liverpool were to lose Coutinho, it would be another significant blow having seen Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard depart last summer and Luis Suarez go the summer before, and the club's lack of Champions League football is harming their ability to attract the kind of players they need to match their ambition or compete financially.

As for the player himself, it's natural for younger players to show their talents in fits and starts, as consistency often comes with age and experience. At 23, the Brazilian is approaching an age where he will no longer have much of an excuse. Whether he leaves or not, he needs to improve.