ESPN pundit Don Hutchinson says he wouldn’t be surprised if Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic opted to leave Stamford Bridge if the Blues sign Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian has been linked with a €90m (£79m) transfer to the London club in recent weeks and Hutchinson predicts that Pulisic may feel he is being overlooked:

“Instead of scouring Europe for a number ten or someone who can play on either flank, you’ve got one in-house. They’ve got one already on the books at Chelsea.”

“Invest a little bit more time in Christian Pulisic. I hear from the grapevine that he’s a little bit quiet and a little bit shy, maybe it’s time for Jody and Frank to coax that out of him and make him a team player and more demanding on the pitch.”

“I’d like to know why Chelsea are going for Coutinho. I can’t imagine Christian Pulisic staying around if they do.”

With Willian and Pedro both expected to leave at the end of their contracts, it is not surprising that manager Frank Lampard is seeking to strengthen in midfield.

Hakim Ziyech’s signature may have already been secured but with just Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi as his only other options out wide, another winger like Jadon Sancho or perhaps Coutinho is needed.

Pulisic joined the Blues from Borussia Dortmund for £58m last year, and despite having had his struggles with injuries, the American international has shown more than enough that he can establish himself in Lampard’s starting eleven.

Coutinho’s signing would simply add more competition and force Pulisic into upping his game even further.