Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has warned Frank Lampard against making a move for Philippe Coutinho this summer.
Coutinho has been linked with a return to the Premier League when the transfer window reopens amid growing speculation that Bayern Munich will turn down the chance to make his loan from Barcelona permanent at the end of the season.
The Brazilian playmaker is deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou having been shipped out on loan just a season-and-a-half after his big-money move from Liverpool, but Leboeuf fears that he could stunt the progress of Chelsea's young players if he arrives at Stamford Bridge.
When asked whether Coutinho would fit in at Chelsea, Leboeuf told ESPN: "I don't think so. Coutinho has been good with Liverpool, so far poor with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
"I would have lots of question marks seeing him coming to Chelsea, to bring what? We have young players, very talented, who are very promising. We have good midfield players with [Mateo] Kovacic and Jorginho, to organise the game.
"I don't know where his place would be. If I was the chairman, if I was the coach, I would be very hesitant to pick him up."
Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are all thought to be weighing up a swoop for the 27-year-old too, while Inter Milan have also been credited with an interest.
Barney Corkhill
