Spanish champions Barcelona are lining up a sensational move for Nigeria wonderkid Samuel Chhukwueze, according to reports emanating from Spain.

Don Balon claims the La Liga giants have decided to do away with the services of Brazil star Philippe Coutinho, who has struggled to live up to expectations since a big money move from Liverpool in January 2018.

The Blaugrana have made Villarreal winger Chukwueze their top target this summer in the event that Coutinho departs the Camp Nou.

The Nigerian winger commands a transfer fee in the region of 60 million euros and is also on the radar of Premier League duo Liverpool and Manchester City.

Villarreal are hoping to offer Chukwueze a new deal but little progress has been made as he doesn't want his market value to increase.

He has scored 8 goals for Villarreal's first team this season, including his strike against Barcelona last month.

Former Nigeria internationals Emmanuel Amunike and Gbenga Okunowo made appearances for Barcelona's first team before hanging up their boots and Chukwueze could follow in their footsteps if the transfer materializes.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel