How Bayern beat Man United to Coutinho signing

Philippe Coutinho has signed for Bayern Munich on loan (PHOTO: COUTINHO)

Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has explained how his "very good and friendly relationship" with Barcelona helped the German's win the race to sign Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian midfielder was offered to the Premier League, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United all alerted to Coutinho's availability.

Liverpool opted against re-signing Coutinho, meaning Manchester United and Arsenal were in the driving seat.

But the Brazilian's agent Kia Joorabchian made it clear his client wouldn't sign for any English team other than Liverpool.

"Manchester United is a great club, I have players there and I have all the respect for them, but as far as Philippe goes, it would be an extremely difficult to a near-impossible move," Joorabchian told talkSPORT during the transfer window.

"I would be very difficult for Philippe to play for any of Liverpool's rivals, because he has such a great affinity towards Liverpool. His time there was fantastic. It would be hard for him to go to a rival."

On other clubs in the Premier League, Joorabchian added: "Every time we've spoken about it we've had that same conversation, he would find it hard to play for another club in the Premier League."

Bayern Munich completed the loan signing of Coutinho on Monday, bringing in the midfielder for £7.7million for the season.

Bayern CEO Rummenigge explained how his good relationship with Barcelona - something Premier League clubs don't have - was integral to getting the deal done.

"We've been working on bringing in Philippe Coutinho for quite some time and we're very happy that we've been able to complete this transfer," explained Rummenigge.

"My thanks go especially to Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu, with whom I have a very good and friendly relationship. Coutinho is a global star and our fans will be delighted."

Coutinho added: "For me, this move means a new challenge in a new country with one of the best clubs in Europe. I'm very much looking forward to that.

"I have big ambitions and I'm convinced that I can achieve them together with my new team-mates."