Coutinho’s fate hangs in balance
BARCELONA directors plan to speak with Philippe Coutinho’s representatives this week in a bid to determine his future.
Barca are unconvinced Aston Villa will stump up the £33million fee written into his loan agreement when the 29-year-old joined them in January.
And they would like to know sooner rather than later what Villa would be willing to pay for the Brazilian – if anything.
If they receive a negative response, Coutinho’s agents will start testing the water with other clubs across Europe.
Barca head coach Xavi has no plans to reintegrate Coutinho into his squad and Nou Camp chiefs are keen to get him off their wage bill for good.
The midfield star has impressed at times since joining Villa but hasn’t been as consistent as the club hoped he would be.
He has returned to the Brazil squad and is targeting the World Cup in November. There are clubs in his homeland keen to take him, but the player wants to remain in Europe.