Liverpool Transfer News: Philippe Coutinho Targeted by PSG, Latest Reds Rumours

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in snapping up Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho, but they have not yet made a bid for him. 

According to the Liverpool Echo's Neil Jones, PSG "have already sounded out Coutinho's representatives about a possible move," and the Reds are "aware of their interest," but as of yet "no official approach has been made."

While a striker is likely to be a priority for the Ligue 1 champions this summer in the wake of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's departure, Coutinho's presence could free up Edinson Cavani to return to his natural centre-forward position.

The 24-year-old had perhaps his best season in a Liverpool shirt to date, racking up 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions. Squawka Football shared his league numbers:

Coutinho is known for his ability to create moments of magic out of nowhere—he can rifle in a shot from outside the box or dribble through a defence before slotting home, as he did against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League. 

However, that does paper over some cracks in his game—those moments often come in otherwise anonymous performances, and the Brazilian struggles with consistency, as journalist Ashley Wilkinson noted after the Europa League final:

"

Stark reminder, if needed, of Klopp's task. Sturridge, Firmino, Coutinho (inconsistent) & maybe Clyne aside, where is the top quality? #lfc

— Ashley Wilkinson (@AshWilkinsonBM) May 18, 2016"

Indeed, though he provided the assist for Daniel Sturridge in the first half, Coutinho was among the Reds' most ineffectual players in the second as Sevilla ran riot, per Squawka:

While the lower standard of opposition PSG face on a weekly basis would likely give the playmaker a platform to produce the goods more regularly, they and any other prospective suitor should be cautious in pursuing Coutinho.

Meanwhile, Matt Hughes of the Times reported that Chelsea could opt to sign Christian Benteke this summer should they fail to capture Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Football writer Dave O'Connell was surprised by the report:

Indeed, the Belgian accrued just 10 goals in all competitions in a highly underwhelming first season at Anfield—significantly fewer than the 25 Lukaku managed at Goodison Park.

It's safe to say Bleacher Report UK's Jack Lusby isn't a fan of Benteke's:

There is some logic to the speculation, though. Both players fit a fairly similar mould physically, provide an aerial threat and relatively few strikers can match their power. Further, Benteke is likely to come far cheaper than Lukaku after such a poor season.

The 25-year-old's confidence is undoubtedly at rock bottom, and he'd still be a hefty gamble even if he would be far less expensive than his Everton counterpart, but if the Blues could harness the prolific player he was at Aston Villa—where he netted 49 goals in 101 games—he could make a useful signing.