Rafael Benitez 'asks Everton board to move for Philippe Coutinho'

New Everton boss Rafael Benitez is reportedly keen for the Toffees to sign Barcelona attacker Philippe Coutinho during this summer's transfer window.

The 28-year-old was restricted to just 14 appearances for the Catalan giants during the 2020-21 campaign due to a serious knee injury, which has required him to undergo two separate operations.

Coutinho is said to be in the latter stages of his recovery, but it does not appear that the Brazilian has a future at Camp Nou, having struggled to make his mark for the La Liga outfit since arriving in January 2018.

A number of clubs are said to be battling for the playmaker, who still has two more years left to run on his contract with Ronald Koeman's side.

According to Fichajes, Benitez has asked the Everton board to move for Coutinho, with the South American potentially arriving at Goodison Park on a season-long loan.

The report claims that the deal could see the Catalan club cover a 'significant part' of the attacker's salary, while there would also not be a compulsory purchase option.

Coutinho turned out for Everton's rivals Liverpool between 2013 and 2018, making 201 appearances for the Reds in all competitions before moving to Spain.