Newcastle ready to battle Aston Villa for signing of Barça's Coutinho

Newcastle ready to battle Aston Villa for signing of Barça's Coutinho

| sport

The two Premier League sides will go head-to-head for the Brazil star

Everything suggests Philippe Coutinho will continue in the Premier League beyond the end of the season but his final destination may not be Aston Villa, where he is currently on loan.

Villa have asked for time to make a decision and Newcastle have taken advantage of the delay to make clear their intention to sign him this summer.

The new owners at Newcastle are ready to pay 40 million euros and have confirmed to Coutinho's camp he would have a similar salary to what he earns at Barça.

It's a serious option although everything now depends on Villa.

Coutinho's transfer is vital for Barça. They need to bring in money before June 30 and move on one of the biggest salaries at Camp Nou. The Brazilian is not in Xavi's future plans.

The idea was for him to join Villa on six months and to see how he did from there, with him preferably making the move permanent, but the Premier League club have doubts about the financial side of the deal.

They have an option to sign him for 40 million but his salary is big. Barça want to know sooner than later but Villa have still not given them a definitive response.

Barça have warned them they won't accept a reduced fee, especially with Newcastle prepared to match it.

Topics with the letter