Report: Philippe Coutinho handed Barcelona lifeline

Barcelona are reportedly prepared to remain patient with Philippe Coutinho and are not looking to sell him to a Premier League club.

The Brazilian's Camp Nou future has been in the spotlight over the past fortnight following rumours that Manchester United are considering an offer.

Coutinho, who only left Liverpool for his dream move to Barca 12 months ago, has more recently been linked with United's top-flight rivals Chelsea.

Barca have yet to get value for money, having splashed out a nine-figure sum to sign the 26-year-old, but a report in The Mirror suggests that Ernesto Valverde is to show faith in him.

Valverde will start the Brazil international in the Catalan giants' next three matches, it is claimed, as Ousmane Dembele has suffered another injury setback.

Coutinho has struggled for consistency since arriving at Barcelona and has started just half of their league matches this term.