Newcastle ready to splash €40 million to sign Barcelona flop – report

Just as reports emerged that Philippe Coutinho could be close to completing a permanent transfer to Aston Villa in the summer, there could be a fresh twist in the tale.

Reports earlier this week indicated that Barcelona are about to sell Coutinho to Aston Villa for €20 million, even though they had inserted a €40 million purchase clause in their loan agreement with the Villans for the Brazilian international.

However, Aston Villa’s pursuit of the 29-year-old playmaker could be complicated as Newcastle United have now entered the fray and are ready to offer €40 million to sign Coutinho in the summer, reports GOAL.

The Magpies had held an interest in Coutinho during the January transfer window as well, but the Barça superstar opted to snub them and sign for Aston Villa on loan, where he reunited with his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who was named as manager earlier this season.

Coutinho made a blistering start to life back in England and even though his form has tailed off in recent weeks, Villa remain keen on signing him permanently. However, they were hoping to negotiate a lower fee with Barça.

But Newcastle’s willingness to pay €40 million could make matters difficult for the Villans. At the same time, though, even if the Magpies are ready to splash the cash, there is no guarantee that they can sign Coutinho as Villa can decide to match that figure and sign him due to the clause.

As things stand, Coutinho’s future is up in the air. But the Brazilian is believed to be clear that he wants to continue in the Premier League as he wishes to be a part of Tite’s Brazil squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The 29-year-old, whose contract with Barcelona runs until 2023, has made 15 Premier League appearances since joining Villa, scoring four goals and setting up three more. It remains to be seen if he signs for Villa or Newcastle swoop him away in the summer.