Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United will miss out on the signing of Barcelona-owned attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Mundo Deportivo have reported that Barcelona have decided to sell Coutinho to Villa for a transfer fee between €15-20 million (£12.85-£17.13 million).
Barcelona are reportedly happy to finally get the former Liverpool attacking midfielder off their books.
The Daily Mail, though, have reported that Villa and Barcelona are still in talks over a £12 million deal for the Brazil international, who can also operate as a winger.
Coutinho joined Villa on loan from Barcelona in the January transfer window until the end of the season.
Well-known and well-respected journalist Dean Jones told GiveMeSport this week that Newcastle are planning to make an offer to Coutinho at the end of the month.
Philippe Coutinho blow for Newcastle United
In our opinion, Mundo Deportivo’s report on Coutinho is a blow for Newcastle in their quest to sign the former Liverpool star.
The 29-year-old is a very good creative player who would make the Magpies better in attack.
Coutinho is in his prime now, and he would be able to make an immediate impact at St. James’ Park.
However, it seems that it is Villa who will get Coutinho on a permanent basis, not Newcastle.
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