Aston Villa negotiating over ‘tricky’ £8m transfer as Wolves deal ‘pending medical’

Aston Villa are reportedly in negotiations with Turkish Süper Lig outfit Beşiktaş over a potential transfer for superstar winger Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian’s time at Villa Park began with a bang when he initially signed on loan, as he netted five goals and contributed three assists during the second half of 2021/22.

Things have gone rather downhill ever since Coutinho put pen to paper on a permanent deal, however, as he has scored just once in 20 Premier League games since last August.

Injuries certainly haven’t helped his case, but most signs of the world-class player that once left Liverpool for Barcelona in a £140 million deal are fading away.

Spanish publication Sport.es reports Beşiktaş have made an official bid to Villa in order to try and revive Coutinho’s career, but the terms on offer aren’t exactly the most desirable.

It’s claimed Beşiktaş have requested a season-long loan with an €8 million (£6.87 million) purchase clause – just over £10 million less than what the Villans paid to Barcelona.

Not only is that a low figure, but the Turkish giants are only willing to pay 40 per cent of Coutinho’s bumper wages. To make things worse, Barça have a 50% sell-on clause.

Unai Emery and Monchi will now have to make a decision as to whether it’s worth giving the 31-year-old another shot, or if it’s better to just cut their losses.

Meanwhile, Wolves deal ‘pending medical’

In other West Midlands transfer news, Villa’s local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are said to be one step away from saying farewell to central defender Nathan Collins.

Fabrizio Romano reports fellow Premier League side Brentford have agreed a club-record £23 million fee to bring the Irishman to the Gtech Community Stadium.

It’s claimed Collins will undergo medical tests on Monday before completing his move, just 11 months on from joining Wolves from Burnley in a £20 million switch.

Wanderers, who reduced Collins’ game time at the end of last season in favour of playing Craig Dawson, coup a small £3 million profit from the 22-year-old.