Newcastle United are reportedly now a serious option for Philippe Coutinho in the summer.
The Lowdown: Aston Villa revival
Coutinho is having somewhat of a revival in his career on loan at Aston Villa, after struggling to make a real impact at FC Barcelona.
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The Premier League knows of his ability from his time at Liverpool, and so do his former teammates, as his now manager Steven Gerrard hailed him as a 'world-class' player back in January, while fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino even went as far as to claim that he has 'magical powers', in awe of his technical ability.
At Villa now, Coutinho has managed to score four goals and make three assists in 12 games in the top flight so far this season (Transfermarkt), and his performances have put clubs on red alert for the summer.
The Latest: Newcastle option
As per Sport, St. James' Park is now a 'serious' option for Coutinho this summer, but a move depends on whether Villa take up the option to buy him permanently.
The North East club are willing to pay the €40m (£33.6m) fee required, as well as take his whopping €14m (£11.7m) yearly wage off of Barca's books.
Coutinho's agents have already let the Catalan giants know of the Tynesiders' interest, and the player himself is now thought to be attracted to the long-term project, as they look to have secured their safety in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, an agreement between both clubs is now thought to be 'possible'.
The Verdict: Exciting
The fact that there is a realistic chance of a player of Coutinho's calibre joining the Magpies is very exciting for the Toon Army.
They have already seen what he is capable of in the top flight with Villa now as well as Liverpool, and a potential partnership in midfield with fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimarães should set their tails wagging.
Nonetheless, he is in his prime at 29 years of age, and the world may not have seen the best of him yet.
In other news, find out which 'outstanding' record-breaker NUFC are now 'interested' in here!