Aston Villa 'open talks' to complete blockbuster transfer

Aston Villa have reportedly 'opened talks' with Barcelona about completing a permanent move for Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho is currently on loan from the Nou Camp until the end of the season but Villa do have an option to sign the player for £33 million this summer. The Brazilian has begun life back in the Premier League well with four goals and three assists from ten Premier League games so far for Villa.

That has reportedly attracted the interests of Villa 's Premier League rivals Arsenal, who could swoop in the summer if Coutinho continues his form at Villa Park. Villa are in danger of being a platform for Coutinho to prove he can still do it in the Premier League only for him to sign for another team, but it is being reported that Steven Gerrard 's side have begun conversations with Barcelona about a permanent transfer.

Website 90min.com claims that Villa have spoken to Barcelona about a move with Xavi's side keen to shift the player's big contract on. Coutinho, Gerrard's former team-mate at Liverpool, is on big money with the deal he signed when Barcelona signed him in January 2018 up at the end of next season.

Coutinho would be a great start to a key window for Gerrard ahead of an anticipated push for a return to European football next season. Gerrard addressed Villa's chances of signing Coutinho earlier this month after he scored in a 3-0 win at Leeds United.

"I think you all know what my decision would be," Gerrard said. "I think you all know what I think of him but this is not as straightforward as people think."

"There is obviously an option in place, Barcelona still own the player. "Phil has got to obviously want to be here in terms of the big picture but he is enjoying his football and looks happy and