Aston Villa eye £50m transfer budget boost as Philippe Coutinho talks ‘confirmed’

Aston Villa pushed title hopefuls Liverpool all the way on Tuesday night.

Douglas Luiz put Villa ahead early on against Jurgen Klopp’s men, but an equaliser followed three minutes later.

And Liverpool would go on to find a winner in the 65th minute through Sadio Mane to keep their title bid alive.

Villa, meanwhile, have suffered a blow in their bid to land a top-half finish, remaining a point behind Crystal Palace in 10th.

Gerrard’s men still have three games to go, however, and a top-half finish is still achievable, with Palace, Burnley and Manchester City to play.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news surrodining Villa Park.

Coutinho talks

Villa’s talks with Philippe Coutinho over a permanent deal have been confirmed, according to Spanish outlet Catalunya Radio.

According to the report, Villa have made it clear they would like to snap up Coutinho on a permanent deal this summer.

But they do want a reduced fee from their £34million option to buy, and no fee has been agreed with Barcelona just yet.

Watkins and Arsenal

Villa striker Ollie Watkins is said to be on Arsenal’s shortlist ahead of this summer.

Arsenal are eyeing a striker this summer, and they could even sign two with Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette out of contract.

According to The Mirror, the Gunners have a four-man shortlist ahead of this summer, and Watkins, who is said to have a £50million price tag, finds himself on the shortlist.

Simpson deal

Villa are said to be in advanced talks with Hearts youngster Ewan Simpson.

According to Football Insider, Villa are closing in on the signing of the 15-year-old, who has been tracked by a number of English clubs ahead of this summer.

Simpson is a Scotland youth international, and the report claims Villa have already struck an agreement with Hearts for the signing.