“Aston Villa want to sell” – Club in talks to sign Villans player, says “very difficult business”

Philippe Coutinho initially joined Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona in January 2022 and his stay was made permanent last summer.

The Brazil international has failed to score a goal or register an assist from 16 matches this season. He hasn’t started since the Villans sacked Steven Gerrard in October and has been restricted to six substitute appearances since then.

Coutinho’s situation at Aston Villa has led to claims he could return to Brazil in January. Flamengo and Corinthians are credited with interest in the attacking midfielder and these two sides are looking to take him on a loan deal.

Corinthians president Duílio Monteiro Alves has now confirmed talks to sign the 30-year-old and also detailed Aston Villa’s stance to sanction the ex-Liverpool star’s transfer in the current window.

“There is the conversation with Coutinho, but it is very far from becoming reality. It’s a very difficult business. We have to try,” Duílio Monteiro Alves told Os Donos da Bola, relayed by ESPN Brasil.

“Aston Villa want to sell and Corinthians want to borrow [loan]. As long as the window is open in Europe, we are unlikely to get any loan success. If they don’t sell, we believe we have a chance. It’s a very premature thing, but I’m trying.”

The Corinthians president added “there would be no problem” in covering Coutinho’s salary.

Coutinho is managed by Kia Joorabchian, who has close ties with the South American club. ESPN Brasil state the agent is one of Corinthians’ ‘trump cards’ in the negotiations to sign the player.