PSG RAISE THE BAR
Coutinho offered 500k a week
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have launched a stunning move to land Philippe Coutinho.
Despite Financial Fair Play concerns, the Qatar-backed French giants have indicated they are prepared to pay the Brazil star £500,000 a week – close to the world-record wages Neymar picks up in Paris.
While Barcelona await an approach, PSG have taken soundings on Coutinho’s interest.
He only completed a £140million switch from Liverpool to the Nou Camp on a five-year contract in January. PSG want to keep Neymar sweet and have sounded out their mega star over potential summer signings.
Neymar’s closest relationship is with Coutinho, the pair having grown up playing together as juniors in Brazil.
PSG know prising him out of Barcelona will be tough.
But if he is persuaded by the annual £25m salary and the chance to link up with Neymar, they feel a deal can be done.
Coutinho, understood to have a £350m buy-out clause, is still not seen by some at Barcelona as a marquee player.
And turning a big profit on their outlay so quickly could persuade them to negotiate.