Vasco de Gama are ‘intensifying’ their transfer talks with Aston Villa over Philippe Coutinho, as they look to secure his permanent stay at the Brazilian club.
That’s [according to Antenados do Futebol](https://www.antenadosnofutebol.com.br/vasco/vasco-da-gama-mantem-otimismo-pela-permanencia-de-philippe-coutinho-e-aguarda-aval-do-aston-villa), who report that Aston Villa are not making life easy in the ongoing negotiations between the two clubs.
Coutinho has been on loan at Vasco since last summer and is keen to remain with them long-term. Aston Villa are happy to let him go and, crucially, get his wages off of the books as they look to balance them this summer.
The two sides have been negotiating over the 33-year-old for weeks, determined to get a deal done before his loan expires at the end of the month.
Antenados now provide an update, reporting that internally Vasco are confident Coutinho will remain with them this summer. The midfielder is currently trying to terminate his deal with Aston Villa amicably.
If this can’t be achieved, Vasco have put together a strategy to keep him regardless. That could involve asking for another loan from Aston Villa. Coutinho’s deal at Villa Park expires in June 2026.
Aston Villa are not making life easy behind the scenes, though. In fact, in the last few hours, they have not given any positive indications about the negotiations. At the moment, they won’t grant Coutinho his personal and professional wish to remain with Vasco.
That has caused some concern at Vasco but there is optimism a deal will be agreed at some point. The Brazilian side are intensifying contact with Monchi and co to find a deal.
The objective is to find a solution that suits everyone, and this week is likely to be decisive, particularly with his current loan deal due to expire.