Newcastle United ‘make contact’ with Barcelona over deal to sign Philippe Coutinho

Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona this summer.

Aston Villa are keen to sign the Brazilian on a permanent basis after he joined the club on loan in January.

The Brazilian has impressed during his loan spell in the Midlands, and Gerrard is said to want to keep him for next season.

Villa have the option to buy the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich playmaker for around €40m (£34m/$42m) this summer, but according to Goal, Newcastle are willing to pay the same fee for Coutinho and have already made direct contact with the Spanish giants over a potential deal.

Coutinho is reportedly keen to stay in England after a difficult spell with Barca.

And according to Dean Jones via GiveMeSport, Newcastle United are likely to move for the Brazilian, if Villa pass up on their option.

“Steven Gerrard still wants Villa to sign Coutinho, but Newcastle are watching this with interest,” said Jones.

“At the end of the month Villa have to tell Barcelona whether they intend to take up the option to buy him – and if they hesitate I’m told Newcastle will look to make a proposal to the player.”

That could be a big problem for Villa, and it could force them to pay up if they really do want to keep the Barca star.

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