There are surprising reports Barcelona have proposed Philippe Coutinho on loan to Lazio, but even paying half his salary would make that extremely unlikely.
According to the Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta dello Sport, Barca are ready to pay 50 per cent of Coutinho’s wages for this season if he can go out on loan.
The idea was seemingly proposed by agent Kia Joorabchian, who works regularly with Lazio, knowing Coutinho is no stranger to Serie A after his time at Inter.
The Brazilian is also said to be very good friends with Biancocelesti midfielder Lucas Leiva.
However, Lazio are struggling even to register the players who are already in the squad and training with coach Maurizio Sarri, making a €4.5m salary utterly improbable.
They are also in the Europa League this term, whereas Coutinho would prefer a Champions League side.
Lazio’s transfer campaign has been stuck by the failure to sell Joaquin Correa, as President Claudio Lotito continues to demand €35-40m, with Inter not willing to meet that price.
They really need to sell Correa or inject that Bloody cash Lotito!