Chelsea are reportedly still leading the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho, despite reports that Tottenham Hotspur have formally registered their interest.

The 27-year-old is currently on loan at Bayern Munich but is expected to return to parent club Barcelona, where he is deemed surplus to requirements, at the end of this season.

A return to the Premier League has been heavily touted for the Brazil international, with a string of clubs including Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Everton, Manchester United, Leicester City and former team Liverpool mentioned as possible destinations.

Bookmakers believe that a move to London is most likely, though, with Chelsea still favourites for his signature.

Tottenham have reportedly now registered their interest in signing the playmaker on loan, which has seen their odds tumble from around 14/1 to 5/1, while Arsenal could also be an option having been reduced from 14/1 to 4/1.

Newcastle are also considered among the frontrunners should their takeover be completed, while a move elsewhere in Europe could also be on the table with Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain among those linked.

Coutinho has scored nine goals and created eight more in 32 appearances across all competitions for Bayern this season.