Aston Villa now ‘really confident’ of sealing permanent Philippe Coutinho deal – Fabrizio Romano
Aston Villa are “really confident” of sealing a permanent deal for Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The former Liverpool attacker has been on loan with the Lions since January – notching seven goals in 15 Premier League appearances.
The Villans are set to come to a full agreement with the Brazil international regarding his wages and overall deal with it now being “up to” Barcelona and Villa.
Mundo Deportivo report that the Catalonians are going to offer Steven Gerrard the option to buy Coutinho for a fee in the region of £17million.
Romano said on Twitter: “Aston Villa are really confident to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barça on a permanent deal.
“It’s confirmed on Barcelona side too talks progressing. Aston Villa are set to reach full agreement with Coutinho on his salary/deal. It’s up to the clubs now.”
Huge.
This is a massive sign of intent not only for what Gerrard has planned for Aston Villa but what the club have planned for him.
The former Liverpool man has huge ambitions and is desperate to succeed in his first proper managerial job in England.
Signing a player with the stature of Coutinho is huge and bodes well in terms of attracting higher quality players for the rest of the window.
Surprisingly, the fee mooted for the dynamo is relatively cheap. That might be because Barcelona simply wants to get rid of him after a nightmare spell at the club but one man’s trash might very well be another man’s treasure.
Gerrard has a brilliant relationship with the Brazilian having played together at Liverpool and he seems to come alive in the Premier League as he has shown for large spells since January.
The owners clearly have full trust in Gerrard and if this deal goes over the line, hopefully, it opens the gates for one or two more.
In other Aston Villa news, Richard Keys has blasted Emi Martinez for his time wasting during the big win v Burnley