Coutinho is being lined up for exit
PHILIPPE Coutinho’s agent is reportedly pushing for a January exit from Villa – but the deal will hinge on whether or not the player wishes to leave.
Coutinho is without a goal or assist across his last 13 outings for Villa after arriving on a permanent deal this summer for a fee in the region of £17 million.
As well as his poor form on the pitch, the 30-year-old has been sidelined by a hamstring injury for the last six fixtures, which have only added to the mounting problems for the Brazilian playmaker.
Rumours are now circulating regarding a possible move in the New Year, with a return to Brazil on the cards as Corinthians register genuine interest in the Villa man.
Journalist Andre Hernan said: “Corinthians are interested. I sent someone at Corinthians a message and their reply read,
‘Every big player interests a club like Corinthians’. They didn’t deny the interest but also didn’t give out too much detail.
“Should Villa not want to remain with Coutinho, that would require a search for a new club. Kia Joorabchian, his agent, is very influential at Corinthians, having been involved in other transfers at Corinthians in the past.
“He therefore wants to make an effort to take Coutinho to the club. Having spoken to someone else who works with Coutinho in Brazil, who said as much as Joorabchian is willing to help, the project will depend on the player’s side and whether it attracts him. We will have to wait and see what will happen.”
Villa look set to fail in their pursuit of Matheus Cunha, according to reports.
The Brazilian attacker is set to leave Atletico Madrid this summer after struggling for form.
Cunha joined Atletico in the summer of 2021 for €25million with an additional €5m in add-ons. This season, Cunha is yet to score in all competitions and has only started two La Liga games under Diego Simeone. The 23-year-old is now reportedly close to a move to the Premier League.
GOAL have reported that Villa and Wolves are both interested in signing Cunha but it appears the Molineux club are set to get their man, on loan with an obligation to buy.