Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United plan to make an offer to Barcelona-owned Aston Villa attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The well-known and well-respected journalist has told GiveMeSport that Newcastle will make a proposal to former Liverpool star Coutinho if Villa do not have up the option to make the loan deal permanent at the end of the season.
The Brazil international moved to Villa on loan from Barcelona in the January transfer window and is scheduled to return to the La Liga giants at the end of the season.
Villa manager Steven Gerrard wants to make the loan deal permanent, and the Premier League club have an option to do that in the contract.
But, according to Jones, Newcastle are lurking.
Newcastle United want Philippe Coutinho
Jones told GiveMeSport: “Steven Gerrard still wants Villa to sign Coutinho, but Newcastle are watching this with interest.
“At the end of the month Villa have to tell Barcelona whether they intend to take up the option to buy him – and if they hesitate I’m told Newcastle will look to make a proposal to the player.”
Exciting signing
In our opinion, Coutinho would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle in the summer transfer window.
Yes, the 29-year-old does go missing at times, but he is a very exciting footballer who creates chances and is brilliant to watch.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer raved about Coutinho in March 2022, describing him as “simply unplayable” on Premier League’s official website.
Coutinho has scored four goals and given three assists in 13 Premier League starts for Villa during his loan spell this season.
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