Premier League clubs hope to land Barcelona playmaker Coutinho
The playmaker could make a return to the Premier League this month. Barcelona are currently in talks with Aston Villa.
Barcelona are in negotiations with Premier League side Aston Villa over a deal for Philippe Coutinho, according to journalist Helena Condis of Cadena Cope.
If the move goes ahead, Coutinho will be reunited with Villa manager Steven Gerrard, his former teammate at Liverpool. The Brazilian and the English head coach played together on 81 games occasions over three seasons at Anfield. The move would be a loan deal until the end of the current campaign.
Arsenal also showing interest in Coutinho
Coutinho's Barça future is still up in the air. Less than a week into the January transfer window, the LaLiga side are looking to loan out the most expensive signing in their history. According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, and Catalan daily Sport, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are best placed on the list of suitors for the Brazilian's services.
Coutinho's reputation in England after his successful spell at Liverpool is still in the memory of many Premier League clubs. For Coutinho to end up at the Emirates Stadium, Barça will also have to do their part. The Gunners want a loan deal, with no option to buy, and they do not intend to pay the playmaker's full salary.
World Cup hopes
Coutinho naturally wants to be in the Brazil squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. A move in January will give him the opportunity to showcase his talent with consistent football that Barcelona are currently unable to offer him. At 29, he will be hoping to impress Brazilian boss Tite ahead of the tournament next winter. Galetti has also reported that Everton, Leicester City and Newcastle United have been monitoring his situation, with the Toffees being the most surprising club interested, due to Coutinho's Liverpool past.