Chelsea has dropped interest in signing Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho as they aim for Manchester United target Jardon Sancho.

Barcelona manager Quique Setien sees the Brazilian attacker as part of his plan for next season.

The Brazilian ace struggled for form since his arrival at the Camp Nou and his loan move to Bayern Munich has made no difference in his form as his performance continues to dwindle before the suspension of the league.

Bayern Munich has the option to make his move permanent but it seems unlikely that the Bavarian directors would sanction such a move and Barcelona directors are keen on letting the former Liverpool off their wage books but Setien sees Coutinho as part of his plan.

with Chelsea tipped to make a move, perhaps with a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of it.

Chelsea’s interest appeared to stem from reports that Jadon Sancho was preferring a move to Manchester United, rather than Stamford Bridge.

However, Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward has claimed United will not have as much money to spend this summer as they might have done because of the coronavirus pandemic that has called a halt to the Premier League.

That could end Chelsea’s interest in Coutinho, as they would aim to sign Sancho instead of the Brazilian attacker when the transfer window opens.