Liverpool to battle Manchester United for Barcelona attacker

Liverpool and Manchester United are set to compete for the services of Barcelona's Coutinho once his loan spell with Bayern Munich comes to an end, reports The Sunday Express. 

Coutinho left Liverpool for Barcelona two years ago, yet failed to really live up to the billing after securing his dream switch to the LaLiga giants. 

The Brazilian was linked with a return to England last summer, but Bayern eventually won the race to take him to Germany. 

The 27-year-old has struggled to make a name for himself with the Bundesliga powerhouse and has been restricted to just 12 league starts in Bavaria. 

That said, Coutinho has mustered six goals and six assists in his time in Germany and his stock remains high on the continent. 

And Barcelona believe they can recoup £77m for Coutinho given the level of interest in his services. 

Bayern have already made up their minds not to take up the option to buy Coutinho in the loan deal, which will appeal to the Premier League sides courting the Brazil international. 

Coutinho was a second half sub in Bayern's 0-0 draw with RB Leipzig, but failed to make an impact from the bench on home turf.