John Percy has dropped a potentially worrying off-field update regarding Aston Villa loanee Philippe Coutinho ahead of the trip to Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Starring at Villa Park

Coutinho was Villa’s first signing under Steven Gerrard, joining from Barcelona on loan until the end of the season.

Villa have an option to make a move permanent for the Brazilian, who has starred in the Midlands since leaving the Nou Camp.

The 29-year-old has contributed to six Premier League goals in 521 minutes of action and his displays back in England have led to speculation over a permanent switch.

The Latest: Percy’s update

Percy shared a link to a story on The Telegraph on Twitter, describing a full-time move to Villa Park as ‘complicated’, despite the fact Villa’s owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens would have no problem paying the option to buy fee.

The reliable reporter revealed that Coutinho will need to take a significant cut to his £480,000-a-week salary in order to seal a permanent deal.

Villa are currently paying around £120,000-a-week to the playmaker, and due to the finances involved, another loan deal has already been discussed.

The Verdict: A worry?

As Percy claims, a permanent move to Villa appears to be a complex one, and it is a worry learning the finances involved. Villa are only paying around 25% of Coutinho’s wage, so it could be a huge ask for the player to take a 75% pay cut on a full-time basis.

Even though an option to buy is included in the loan, it doesn’t seem a straightforward transfer, so all Coutinho can do for now is continue his fine form on the pitch under Gerrard and deal with his future at the end of the campaign.

In other news: Villa now gifted another late injury boost pre-Leeds as Preece shares news on 'outstanding' ace.