Aston Villa's Philippe Coutinho is expected to return to Vasco da Gama
Philippe Coutinho of Vasco da Gama
Philippe Coutinho of Vasco da Gama
Aston Villa's Philippe Coutinho is expected to return to Vasco da Gama after his loan ends at the end of this month.
The Brazilian club has been working on two solutions to sign Coutinho again: one being a second loan and the other a permanent deal.
A permanent deal, however, would hinge on Coutinho mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Villa.
Discussions have reportedly been held over a contract termination, but Terra claims that this is proving challenging.
Therefore, Vasco is working on ‘Plan B’, which would be to sign Coutinho on a short-term loan until the end of the Brazilian season, which runs through to December.
Talks over terminating his contract could continue in the coming days, but the 33-year-old’s wish to have his future resolved last week did not come to fruition.
Earlier this month, Coutinho told Premiere, via ESPN Brasil, that a resolution was close: “People are talking, this week I think it’s positive to talk about and decide everything.”
That concurs with comments from chief executive Carlos Amodeo, who at the start of this month said: “The goal is to keep the player. There is no problem between him and Vasco.
"The point is to resolve the situation with Aston Villa so we can move forward.
"Coutinho is a player we want to count on for the rest of the season. We’re in contact with his staff awaiting his release.”
adidas Aston Villa range - how to get yours!
Aston Villa have announced that they are selling a new range of fashion items that fans are going to be clamouring to get hold of ahead of the new season - including a limited edition of the iconic adidas Samba range.
The Villa colours are displayed on the trainers and they also show off the Villa badge. You can get your pair here
You can also find an adidas DNA hoody which comes in simple Villa colours and a low key traditional adidas design. That can be bought here
The same design can be found on classic adidas track top on offer, this is the type of track top that fans love to wear - that can be bought here
The DNA range continues with a claret and blue t-shirt - found here, and on the training pants which can also be matched with any of the items - they are here
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