Wolves now have two reasons to watch Philippe Coutinho transfer

The clock is ticking towards Aston Villa's decision over Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

Brazil international Coutinho joined Villa on loan from Barcelona in January, with a £33m option-to-buy inserted in the agreement. He started life at Villa Park in a rich vein of form, but Coutinho hasn't been at his best in two outings following the international break.

He does still have seven goal contributions - four goals and three assists - in 12 appearances for Villa and Steven Gerrard would like to sign him permanently. The Villa boss admits the deal isn’t 'as straightforward as people think' though.

"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 settled,” Gerrard said in March. "I know the owners are very ambitious, so we will just analyse it as we go along. But if it was totally on me and it was my cash you know what I would do."

Villa’s strategy under owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens has always been to buy players whose transfer value can be increased. The club reaffirmed that in their 2021 accounts, saying the owners’ vision has always been to 'develop, recruit and secure talented young players on long-term contracts to build asset value in our playing squad and to ensure long-term sustainability.'

By the time next season starts, Coutinho will be 30-years-old. He will also be on astronomical wages compared to the vast majority of his teammates. Signing an experienced player who reportedly earns £480,000 per week wouldn’t exactly be in keeping with Villa’s transfer strategy.

He is, however, a player who can rapidly elevate the club into the conversation for the European spots. The decision is likely to be made at the end of the