Manchester City have joined the Premier League scramble for Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

In a significant development, City have made contact with Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian this week to register their interest. Joorabchian had already scheduled a meeting with Barca officials next week to discuss the Premier League offers he has - and will now add City to the agenda to be discussed.

Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle United are also eager to take Coutinho, currently on-loan at Bayern Munich, off Barca's hands.

City boss Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, has been a long time fan of Coutinho and explored the prospect of signing the midfielder before Liverpool sold him to Barca.