On Friday, Vasco da Gama president Pedrinho revealed that his side are negotiating a deal to sign Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazil international is currently on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail and has to return to Aston Villa in the summer. Unai Emery has no plans to include him in his plans next season and the Villans would look for a permanent solution in the next window.
According to ESPN in Brazil, the 31-year-old is keen on leaving Aston Villa, even though his deal with them lasts until 2026.
Coutinho graduated from Vasco da Gama’s academy and is ‘determined’ to return to his old club in the summer window.
All parties are in favour of a transfer and Vasco’s president has confirmed negotiations have taken place, and despite this, the deal isn’t straightforward.
Vasco da Gama are involved in a legal battle with 777 Partners, over who will be in charge of the club. The latter, who are going through financial difficulties, haven’t been able to fulfil their promises.
ESPN state the ongoing dispute between the camp led by Pedrinho and 777 Partners ‘has an impact’ on the Aston Villa owned player’s transfer negotiations. Coutinho is hopeful a solution can be found, so that he can return to Vasco da Gama.
The report further points out the discussions have been taking place with people close to the player rather than his agent, Giuliano Bertolucci. ESPN say the latter ‘isn’t authorised to take part’, without providing any further explanation.
