Newcastle 'to offer Coutinho £1M bonus to convince him to join them'

Newcastle are reportedly preparing a mega-money £1million bonus in a bid to entice Philippe Coutinho to the north east this summer. 

According to Sport, the Magpies have already started to explore a deal for the Brazilian through intermediaries with a significant bonus heading in the direction of Coutinho were he to choose Newcastle. 

Coutinho has been a revelation since swapping Barcelona for Aston Villa on loan in January, scoring four goals and adding three assists in 10 matches so far.  

A permanent switch to Villa Park is reportedly Barcelona's 'priority', with a deal mooted to be around £33.5m - but Newcastle's reported interest could complicate any switch to the Midlands. 

Cash-strapped Barcelona 'are not willing to accept discounts from Villa' should better offers come in from elsewhere. 

Arsenal have also been credited with interest in the former Liverpool playmaker.

Newcastle found themselves in a fierce relegation battle in January but key signings of Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes has lifted Eddie Howe's side to 14th in the table.

While Newcastle have professed caution about expectations in the summer, with money no object under the Saudi owners, the report in Spain states that he is seen in the north east as a key player to build around as they look to push for trophies. 

The 29-year-old's huge £480,000 a week wages at the Nou Camp won't be matched in England and Villa are currently paying just under 25 per cent of those weekly wages for six months, around £120,000 a week.

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