Newcastle transfer news: Philippe Coutinho open to £33m Toon move

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Philippe Coutinho is reportedly interested in joining Newcastle United this summer.

That’s according to Spanish outlet Sport, who claim the Brazilian midfielder will likely continue his career in the Premier League next season.

He was involved in one of the most surprising January transfers earlier in the year, joining Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona.

There was reportedly interest from Newcastle, but instead he reunited with Steven Gerrard, where he’s proven to people that he is still a top quality player.

The 29-year-old has scored four goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances so far. Those are impressive numbers for a man who was branded a flop for his spell at the Nou Camp.

While Newcastle missed out, it didn’t matter. Eddie Howe has guided the Magpies to safety – and above Coutinho’s Aston Villa, interestingly.

With the summer transfer window edging closer, Coutinho’s future is once again up in the air.

Newcastle willing to pay £33million for Philippe Coutinho

While he might not have been keen in January, Coutinho is certainly keen now – if Sport are to be believe, of course.

And they state that Newcastle are willing to pay £33million to bring him to St James’ Park on a permanent deal. The report adds that they are also willing to match the money he earns at Barcelona.

Villa have first refusal, but may decide to look elsewhere given the finances involved. If so, the Magpies could pounce. But will they?

Newcastle will likely be savvy in the transfer market this summer, rather than splashing out huge fees for Hollywood names.

They’ve been linked with Christian Eriksen on a free – player in a similar mould to Coutinho. While Coutinho is a bigger name, Eriksen would be the smarter signing given the finances involved.

Barcelona are probably praying Newcastle move for the Brazil international, such is their desperation to get him off their books. It’s previously been claimed that the Catalan giants hope to benefit from our newfound wealth.

Realistically, it would come as a huge surprise if the Toon owners splashed out more than £30million on the former Liverpool star.

The report may claim Coutinho and Newcastle are keen, but this feels more like Barcelona trying to push a deal.