Aston Villa are one of three Premier League sides reportedly eyeing Philippe Coutinho, and a new report from Cadena COPE says talks are underway. Villa and Barcelona have made contact ‘in the last few hours’.
Coutinho, 29, is likely to be one of the names Barcelona want to move on in January. Given the club’s financial difficulties, Barca are keen to sell their fringe players on big wages – and Coutinho falls into that bracket.
Goal Brasil reported late on Tuesday evening that Liverpool, Everton and Villa all want to sign Coutinho. Now, Cadena COPE give an update. They say Villa and Barcelona have opened talks to sign the 63-time Brazil star.
It is believed that talks have commenced in the last few hours, with Villa keen to reunite Coutinho with his former teammate in Steven Gerrard. Whether Coutinho is open to a move to Villa, remains to be seen.
Coutinho to Villa: Gerrard pull in full swing, a massive coup
While it is clear that Coutinho needs to leave Barcelona and a return to English football is likely, not many would have predicted that Villa could be the club he joins. But the arrival of Gerrard as manager could be crucial.
Having the Liverpool legend in place is likely to be the driving force behind a loan deal until the summer. Villa could do with an attacking midfielder despite the presence of Emi Buendia, who has been indifferent so far.
While it is not a done deal yet, it is clear that a move to Villa is on the cards and the potential of signing Coutinho will excite fans of the Midlands club. It is a massive coup for Villa, if they get a deal over the line.
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