Fabrizio Romano has taken to Twitter to share some good news for Aston Villa regarding Philippe Coutinho, but it’s bad news for Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Newcastle are hoping to sign the Brazilian, and have already opened talks with Barcelona.
However, Romano believes Aston Villa are now closing in on Coutinho, with Barcelona keen to get things completed as soon as possible.
As you can see below, the Spanish giants are hoping to sell the 29-year-old quickly, so they can include his €20m (£17m) fee in their financial records for this year.
Negotiations are at the final stages, and Coutinho himself has already given Steven Gerrard the green light over a permanent stay at Villa Park.
Therefore, it sounds like the Rio de Janeiro-born playmaker has basically joined Aston Villa on a permanent basis, and now, we await official confirmation.
Since his arrival on loan in January, Coutinho has scored four goals in 16 Premier League appearances, while also providing three assists.
Aston Villa news shouldn’t worry Newcastle
In our view, Coutinho would’ve been a brilliant signing for Eddie Howe at Newcastle, and they should be disappointed to lose out.
However, it isn’t the end of the world for the Magpies.
Following the Saudi Arabian takeover, Newcastle can afford to sign almost any player in Europe, so they should have no issues finding the next Coutinho.
The Brazilian is now 29, and while he still has years left at this level, Newcastle would do well to react to missing out by signing a younger version.
Someone like the 24-year-old Lyon gem Lucas Paqueta – a good friend of Bruno Guimaraes and also a target for Howe – would be a good option, for example.
Whatever happens, Aston Villa have done extremely well to sign Coutinho for just £17m – now, it’s up to Newcastle to respond.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
