Chelsea is prepared to start a discussion for a loan arrangement with Barcelona for the signing of Inter Milan target Philippe Coutinho.

Chelsea is willing to add to the Brazilian attacker to their final third but on loan arrangement before the Blues open talks to sign him on a permanent basis.

Barcelona prefer to sell the Coutinho at the end of the season, the former Liverpool star is currently on loan at Bayern Munich and the Bavarian directors have claimed that they are not willing to sanction a move at the end of the season after he failed to impress at the Allianz Arena.

Coutinho is valued for £80m a valuation that is unlikely to meet by his suitors considering his level of performance.

The Blues would have to cover Coutinho’s £11.5m annual salary to take the playmaker on loan for 12 months.

However, Sport reports Barcelona will demand a mandatory purchase clause if inserted into the deal.

Barcelona is prepared to reduce their asking price to £53m if Frank Lampard’s side agrees to buy Coutinho at the end of next season.

Inter Milan is also interested in signing the Brazilian attacker.