Chelsea are tracking Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho despite their transfer ban, according to the Express.

Reports in the Catalan media have been running a quote from the 26-year-old that suggest that the player is considering moving clubs this summer. He reportedly told Brazilian teammates on international duty:

“I am thinking about leaving Barcelona, I know that it is a difficult decision, but it can be the best thing for my career.”

Manchester United are said to be in pole position for Coutinho if the former Liverpool player does leave the Camp Nou.

Chelsea’s interest is likely predicated on them winning their appeal against a two-window transfer embargo. Their hearing will be heard next month and it appears the Blues expect a decision before the summer transfer window.

The monitoring of Coutinho may well be a sign that the London club are looking at potential alternatives if Eden Hazard departs Stamford Bridge this summer.

Manager Maurizio Sarri has said he still doesn’t whether the Belgian international will be leaving at the end of the season, with the playmaker heavily linked with a switch to Real Madrid.