Philippe Coutinho makes key decision as assurances made over Aston Villa transfer 'obstacle'

Philippe Coutinho is ready to part company with Barcelona this summer - and is willing to take a pay cut in a bid to secure a move back to the Premier League on a permanent basis.

The former Liverpool playmaker is currently on loan at Villa where he has produced some stellar performances having joined the club in the January transfer window.

Villa want to make his move permanent in the summer and there is an agreement in place that would allow them to secure his signature for a fee of around £33m.

But according to the latest reports in Spain, it is being claimed that Coutinho would be happy to take a pay cut on his reported £400,00-a-week wages at the Camp Nou.

Mundo Deportivo report: "Both Barça and Coutinho want to settle the contract that unites them until June 2023. The main option in this next summer market is a transfer estimated at 40 million euros and that would help to amortize their signing, although the main obstacle is the salary of the Brazilian, whose exact amount has not been made public.

"Club sources consulted by MD assure that the Brazilian always does his part to overcome this obstacle. In all the transfers that have been made, such as against Bayern or now at Aston Villa , the player has tried to facilitate all kinds of agreements."

Villa are reportedly already paying £120,000 of Coutinho’s wages with Barca already making plans for Coutinho’s exit and are lining up a suitable replacement ahead of the summer. They are liking the look of Leeds talisman Raphinha, Coutinho’s compatriot and Brazil teammate, who could leave Elland Road regardless of their league status next season.

Raphinha has been, for the most part, brilliant since joining in the summer of 2020, and he was a crucial player for