Villa move one step closer to permanent Coutinho deal as star reaches major decision

Aston Villa’s hopes of capturing Philippe Coutinho on a permanent basis this summer have been given a huge boost amid an update from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

Coutinho returned to the Premier League in January by joining Villa on a six-month loan from Barcelona. The move saw the Brazil international attempt to re-create his previous magic with Liverpool.

Working with former Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard is clearly working. Coutinho holds a record of four goals and three assists from 10 matches so far.

He has put in top-class displays against Leeds United and Southampton, helping the Villans to score three goals or more in those matches.

Coutinho’s switch to Barcelona hasn’t exactly gone to plan. And Villa are looking to capitalise on the situation by bringing him back to England permanently.

Mundo Deportivo have all the latest. They claim Barca and Coutinho want to sever ties this summer. That is instead of waiting until his contract expires in 2023.

Coutinho sees his transfer to Villa Park as the ‘best decision’ he has made since originally joining Liverpool in 2013.

Philippe Coutinho eyeing longer transfer

That is high praise for the West Midlands outfit, and a longer reunion is certainly on the cards.

According to the report, Coutinho has always facilitated loan moves when they have come to his attention.

And he is once again ready to play his part in a transfer. Mundo Deportivo state Coutinho is willing to take a huge pay cut when joining Villa in the summer.

This had been the only stumbling block for Gerrard’s side. But now it is out the way, they can set about agreeing a deal with Barca.

Star could earn £120k per week

The 29-year-old earns £480,000 per week, with Villa paying around £120,000 of that as part of the loan agreement.

Coutinho will have to settle for the latter sum if he wants to leave the Nou Camp for good – and he is willing to do this.

The former Inter man is currently on international duty with Brazil. He got on the scoresheet during their 4-0 win over Chile earlier this week.

Coutinho is in line to feature when Brazil travel to Bolivia on Wednesday.

Following the end of the international break, Villa play Wolves and then Tottenham in the Premier League.

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