How Philippe Coutinho could be key to Liverpool FC signing Bayern star

The Reds may be tempted to move for Thomas Muller in the January transfer window

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North Wales Live

17:21, 15 OCT 2019

Sport

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Former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho could at the centre of the Reds’ transfer business in January.

This is because the Brazilian playmaker is keeping Thomas Muller out of the Bayern Munich team.

Coutinho is now ahead of World Cup winner Muller in the Bayern pecking order since joining on loan from Barcelona in the summer , with Muller recently limited to appearances off the bench.

Muller, 30, has reportedly decided to leave Bayern in search of regular first-team action, and will be on the radar of Premier League clubs ahead of the transfer window opening in early 2020.

While he could be a target for Manchester United , who are desperate to improve their attacking options, Muller could also interest Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp reportedly tried to sign him two years ago.

And German football expert Kevin Hatchard reckons a move to the Reds could become a reality.

“I think there is a genuine discomfort for Muller at the moment because he’s been on the bench for the last five games,” he told the Liverpool Echo ’s Blood Red podcast via the Daily Mirror .

“People go on about his goal output has dropped, but you look at the assists, he is still very much involved in a lot of the good stuff Bayern can do.

“He’s in a position he’s never really been in at Bayern which is somebody who is having to really scrap for a starting spot.

“The arrival of Coutinho has put him under pressure because Muller operates in that number 10 role. It’s probably the biggest challenge of Muller’s career.”

Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer celebrate a Euro 2016 Qualifying win against Scotland.

Hatchard added: “I still think he is a very, very good footballer and any top Premier League team would benefit from having him in the building.

“The fluid nature of it would appeal to Muller, without question because his movement is incredible.

“He’s so elusive, he picks up positions a lot of players simply don’t and I think he’d be a huge boost to Liverpool.

“I think Premier League clubs will be on alert.”

However, Muller would arguably find it just as difficult to break into the Liverpool team, with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane established as their fearsome forward line.