According to reports from Spain, Barcelona have requested English Premier League side Aston Villa to make a swift decision on the transfer of Brazilian forward Philippe Coutinho.
Coutinho joined Villa on loan from the Catalans in January and is set to leave the LaLiga giants permanently this summer, with several Premier League clubs showing interest in his services, among them Arsenal and Newcastle United.
However, Steven Gerrard’s club remain in a better position to make a permanent move for the former Liverpool star.
As Coutinho’s summer transfer discussions keep going on, reports from Camp Nou state that Villa must soon come to their final decision concerning the player’s future.
Spanish media outlet Sport reports that Aston Villa have until the end of May to communicate with Barcelona regarding the permanent transfer of Coutinho.
Meanwhile, Coutinho started life at Villa Park on a high, contributing to seven goals in his first eight appearances for the club.
He has, however, declined in form, failing to score in his last six outings with Aston Villa.
The Mirror reports that Barca are not sure if Aston Villa will meet the £33 million transfer fee included in the initial Coutinho loan agreement earlier in January.
