According to a report by Spanish media outlet Fichajes.net, as relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur have been touted as a possible move for Barcelona ace Philippe Coutinho this summer with the La Liga giants apparently eager to send him out on loan.

Coutinho hasn't featured for the Catalans since December after suffering a knee injury and was expected to be available again before the end of the season, but a recent surgery has now ruled out that chance.

Coutinho touted with possible Spurs move

As a result, the Brazilian looks set to miss the rest of the season, and Barca's chances of selling him for a fee in the summer have apparently taken a massive hit because of this.

New club president Joan Laporta is now willing to let him go out on loan with the view of a club potentially signing him permanently at the end of his spell.

Fichajes.net provide this information, and they also claim Tottenham are 'precisely sounded' as a 'possible destination' for Coutinho.

They also say he could be a replacement for current loanee Gareth Bale, who recently dropped an admission he will return to Real Madrid at the end of his spell.

Transfer Tavern take

We believe this one should be taken with a hint of caution despite Coutinho previously having concrete links to Spurs in 2020.

On a reported £250,000-per-week, there is no doubt in our eyes he still has ability to succeed back in the Premier League despite his recent lack of appearances due to injury.

He is a threatening presence, with the attacking midfielder averaging 2.3 shots per 90 over eight La Liga starts for Barca this season (WhoScored).

Coutinho also managed a consistent 2.5 shots, 1.4 completed dribbles and 1.3 key passes per 90 during his time in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich last campaign (WhoScored).

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, speaking after he partnered Coutinho for Brazil on international duty, hailed his 'phenomenal' teammate - going on to emphatically praise his 'magical powers' (Goal).

Regardless of all his ability though, the wages he'd command would be a problem for chairman Daniel Levy in the current financial climate - not to mention Tottenham already have a midfielder highly on their radar in Marcel Sabitzer (Alasdair Gold).

The move would undoubtedly turn heads, but Spurs arguably have bigger priorities.

In other news: BBC pundit sends warning to Tottenham, find out more here.