Newcastle United already in talks with Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho?

Newcastle United are reportedly already locked in discussions with Philippe Coutinho's representatives over a deal for the Barcelona playmaker.

The 27-year-old will return to Camp Nou at the end of the season after Bayern Munich turned down the chance to turn his season-long loan into a permanent transfer.

Barca are supposedly looking to offload the Brazil international, however, and a host of clubs - namely from the Premier League - have been tipped to make a move.

Newcastle are among the sides rumoured to be in the running for Coutinho's signature and, according to France Football, they have opened talks with his camp.

The Magpies will become one of the richest clubs in world football should their proposed £300m takeover go through, though doubt has been cast over that happening in recent weeks.

Speaking last week, Coutinho's agent revealed that the former Liverpool star is interested in returning to the Premier League.