Transfer insider shares two big stumbling blocks in Aston Villa bid to sign Coutinho

Aston Villa are set to face a ‘problem’ in their bid to keep Philippe Coutinho at Villa Park on a permanent basis due to the Brazilian’s extortionate wages, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Coutinho joined the Midlands club in an eye-catching loan deal from La Liga giants Barcelona shortly after the turn of the year, but the switch includes the option of being turned into a long-term agreement for £33million.

Coutinho headed to Villa Park after injuries and a lack of form had a major impact on his stay at Barcelona following a £142million move from Liverpool.

In a bid to rediscover his best form, the 29-year-old reunited with former Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard, who had been appointed as Villa’s head coach in November.

The switch has paid off for the 66-cap Brazil international as he has already racked up four goals and three assists to make an instant impact in his new surroundings.

Gerrard has revealed he is eager to take advantage of the permanent option which was written into the deal when Coutinho headed to the Midlands.

The creative midfielder’s parent club are in financial trouble and La Liga have told Barcelona they will not be able to sign players in the summer transfer window unless they sell members of their existing squad or renegotiate less lucrative contracts with their stars.

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Jones believes Coutinho’s wage expectations and other suitors coming in for the Brazilian could hamper Villa in their efforts to keep him at the club beyond the end of the season.

Coutinho’s Barcelona contract, which is due to expire in the summer of 2023, is worth £380,000-per-week.

Villa’s current highest earner, Danny