Newcastle ‘willing to pay Philippe Coutinho £1m bonus to sign for them’ as they join Aston Villa in transfer race

NEWCASTLE could offer Philippe Coutinho a £1million bonus to sign him ahead of Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Barcelona's Brazil playmaker, 29, has shone on loan for Villa since January.

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But claim the Saudi-backed Toon have made contact over the ex-Liverpool star via intermediaries.

It's still thought Barca would be happy to turn his Villa switch into a permanent £33.5m deal.

But any intervention from the money-laden Magpies might drastically change the situation.

Arsenal have been long-term admirers.

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And Mikel Arteta's interest is understood to have grown since Coutinho has proved for Villa under Steven Gerrard that he can still be a Prem dazzler.

The former Inter Milan midfielder has amassed four goals and three assists in ten games for the Villans.

Gerrard said earlier this month: “For me it doesn’t make any sense to make any decisions now.

“When he’s physically in the right place, when he’s comfortable and happy and enjoying his football, we all know we’re dealing with a world-class talent.

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“We just need to keep enjoying him, to keep him healthy from now until the end of the season and I’m sure he’ll help us.

“To watch him and work with him and see him get back to his top form and enjoy his football again is a pleasure.”

Gerro, in fact, believes Coutinho is finally close to his Liverpool form of 2013-18 - having slumped since joining Barca.