Everton are interested in signing former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho in the January transfer window, according to reports in Spain.

Coutinho, 29, left Anfield to join Barcelona in a £105m move in 2018, which remains the third-most expensive transfer in history.

The Brazilian has spectacularly failed to live up to his price-tag during his three-and-a-half seasons at the Nou Camp and is now deemed surplus to requirements.

Head coach Xavi is keen to bolster his attacking options in January but the Catalan club must sell players first to remain within La Liga’s salary cap rules.

Coutinho still has two years left on his deal and Barcelona are keen to offload the playmaker.

Several Premier League teams have been linked with a move for Coutinho, including Tottenham and Newcastle.

According to AS, Everton have now joined the race the sign the Brazil international.

The Spanish newspaper claim Coutinho’s representatives have been in contact with the Toffees, who are managed by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Barcelona are hoping to complete a deal for Manchester City forward Ferran Torres in the coming days but will be unable to add the striker to their squad unless they sell other players, according to BBC Sport.

Barcelona have agreed to pay €55m (£46.7m) with a further €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons for the 21-year-old Spain international.

However, the Catalans have only been able to fund the move because of a recent bank loan.

Barcelona could be looking to offload as many as seven first-team players next month to free up funds.

Along with Coutinho, the most high-profile player linked with an exit is Netherlands international Frenkie de Jong.

De Jong joined Barcelona in a £75m move from Ajax in 2019 but may be allowed to leave the club next month after failing to live up to expectations.

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