Newcastle United will reportedly make a move to sign FC Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho if Aston Villa fail to sign the Brazilian international.
According to Mirror, the Magpies are eyeing the playmaker if Steven Gerrard’s side aren’t able to sign Coutinho on a permanent deal, with Villa eager to sign the 29-year-old for good beyond his current loan spell.
Coutinho joined the Villians in the January transfer window in one of the surprise deals of the month, and the Barcelona-owned attacker has been impressive under his former Liverpool teammate Gerrard.
The South American magician has bagged four goals and three assists in the Premier League, yet as per the report, Villa will only sign Coutinho if he is willing to drop his mammoth £425,000-a-week wage that the winger currently earns with Barcelona, and this is where Newcastle come in.
With the Toon set to spend big this summer under their PIF owners, Coutinho could earn considerably more at St. James Park if Villa fail in their attempts to sign the former Inter Milan attacker.
Moreover, given the level of investment Newcastle are set to receive over the coming windows, the northeast Premier League side could be a more tantalising project for Coutinho than Villa.
Villa’s loss will be Newcastle’s sign if they fail to land Coutinho
Coutinho has been magical since his return to England and has evoked a sense of nostalgia and hope for Villa supporters, yet if the club fail to sign the Brazilian this summer, Newcastle will no doubt be there to swoop in for the South American.
With Eddie Howe eager to make a statement signing, Coutinho could be that player if Villa are unable to meet the winger’s wage demands, something Newcastle will be hoping for behind the scenes.
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