Steven Gerrard has confirmed he still wants to sign reported Newcastle target Philippe Coutinho this summer.
The Brazilian midfielder returned to the Premier League in January, joining Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season. He was tentatively linked with the Magpies, but instead was reunited with his former Liverpool teammate.
Coutinho enjoyed a blistering start to life at Villa Park, but his form has somewhat dipped in recent weeks. He was dropped this weekend, spending most of the afternoon on the bench as Villa beat Burnley 3-1.
But Gerrard has admitted it was to ensure he kept his squad fresh, and reaffirmed his desire to sign the 29-year-old permanently.
Gerrard wants Coutinho at Villa next season
The Villa boss spoke to the media following his sides victory at Burnley, and was asked about Coutinho.
“Not at all,” Gerrard told the Express and Star when asked if his decision to bench Coutinho gave a hint towards his future.
“We want Phil Coutinho here, for sure.
“We’ve got five games in 16 days. I don’t think it’s fair to ask any of the players to play all of them.”
Newcastle might not get a chance to land Barcelona star
Gerrard’s comments could be of interest to Newcastle, who have also been linked with signing Coutinho.
Sport in Spain recently claimed that PIF are willing to pay the £33million required to sign the Brazil international, and he’s open to a move to St James’ Park. Transfer expert Dean Jones has backed up this claim.
“Steven Gerrard still wants Villa to sign Coutinho, but Newcastle are watching this with interest,” he told Give Me Sport.
“At the end of the month Villa have to tell Barcelona whether they intend to take up the option to buy him – and if they hesitate I’m told Newcastle will look to make a proposal to the player.”
While Gerrard may want to keep Coutinho, wages could get in the way. If that does happen, Newcastle appear ready to pounce.
He would be a blockbuster signing for Newcastle – the biggest name to come to SJP since the takeover. But is he exactly what we need? With talk of evolution not revolution and a limited budget, perhaps it would be unwise to spend more than £30million on a player who turns 30 next month.
Barcelona will be desperate for Villa or Newcastle to make a move. They won’t care who it is – they just want Coutinho off their wage bill.
While he initially looked back to his best, Coutinho’s recent Villa form should perhaps make Newcastle think again about moving for the Samba star.
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