Manchester United have let Philippe Coutinho’s agent know that they would be interested in signing the Barcelona midfielder, according to reports in the Catalan media.

The Brazilian international has struggled to get his place back in the first team since he returned from a muscular injury in early December.

Coutinho’s last start came in the final Champions League group stage game against Spurs when Barca boss Ernesto Valverde opted to pick a much-changed lineup.

Currently, it is believed the 26-year-old is determined to stay put at the Catalan club and win over any doubters. Both he and his partner are said to be enjoying life in Barcelona with their second child having recently been born in the city.

Still, there is huge pressure for Coutinho to perform at a higher level. Since joining from Liverpool for £142m last January, the Brazilian has scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists in 46 appearances, but his form has dipped in recent months.

He was bought to play either in central midfield or out wide in a front three, but the likes of Arthur, Arturo Vidal and Ousmane Dembele have all managed to get ahead of him in the pecking order for both positions.