Aston Villa

Aston Villa: Julien Laurens sceptical of Coutinho switch

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Philippe Coutinho is being tipped to make a Premier League return just four years after his ‘dream’ move to Barcelona. Aston Villa are one of the favourites to land him, with manager Steven Gerrard full of praise for his former teammate.

Gerrard said in his recent press conference that the Brazilian is a ‘magician’ and branded him a ‘serial winner’. He also said that Coutinho was ‘incredible’ during his time at Anfield – something he will have known first-hand from playing alongside him.

Would you like to see Coutinho at Villa?

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Obviously!

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Not for me!

Speaking on the latest edition of ESPN FC, journalist Julien Laurens wasn’t convinced by the rumours, saying: “I’m not really sure where he would fit Aston Villa, how they could pay his wages – and let’s not even talk about a potential transfer fee.

“But that’s, again, a long, long shot. I’m sure his agent, Kia Joorabchian, is trying his best to try to find somewhere better for him because clearly, I don’t think he’s got much of a future with Xavi at Barcelona.”

TIF Thoughts on Coutinho to Aston Villa…

It does seem improbable on paper that Aston Villa could afford to buy the Brazilian from Barcelona, but the Catalan club desperately need to get rid of players so they can register recent signing Ferran Torres after he joined from Manchester City, so that could potentially lead to a bargain price.

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Which Premier League winner used to play for Villa's academy?

After a disappointing spell at Barcelona since joining four years ago (only playing 106 games for them in all competitions), he may not warrant a wage packet like the one he is on now – which is reportedly around £250,000 a week. Could the pull of playing for former teammate and captain Steven Gerrard be enough to persuade the Brazilian to Villa Park?

Gerrard didn’t deny the rumours, so there could be legs in this one…

In other news, Glen Kamara to Villa?

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