Newcastle United keen on Philippe Coutinho
Newcastle United are reportedly keen on signing the Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho next season.
The 29-year-old is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Barcelona and the West Midlands club are open to making the move permanent as well.
According to a report from Goal.com, the Magpies have made contact with the former Liverpool midfielder and they are attempting to hijack Aston Villa’s move for the 29-year-old.
Coutinho joined Aston Villa on loan during the January transfer window and he has been quite impressive for Steven Gerrard’s side during the second half of the season.
The Brazilian midfielder struggled to live up to the expectations at Barcelona and a return to the Premier League has helped him recapture his confidence.
The 29-year-old is keen on staying in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see if he decides to join Newcastle this summer.
The Magpies are the richest club in the world following their takeover and they are looking to put together an ambitious squad and challenge for European qualification next season.
The chance to join the club could be a tempting proposition for the Brazilian international and Newcastle certainly have the finances to pull off the transfer as well.
As per the latest reports, Coutinho could be available for a knockdown price of around £34m this summer and Barcelona are desperate to get him off their wage bill.
West Ham United keen on Ollie Watkins
Meanwhile, Premier League rivals West Ham United are looking to raid Aston Villa this summer for the talented young striker Ollie Watkins as per the Guardian.
The 26-year-old has been outstanding for Aston Villa since joining the club from Brentford and the West Midlands club could demand a fee of around £50m for his services.
Watkins has scored 26 goals across all competitions since the start of last season.
It is no secret that the Hammers will have to sign a quality goal scorer this summer and Watkins could prove to be an outstanding addition for them.
The 26-year-old is well settled in the Premier League and he could make an immediate impact at the London club next season.
Watkins would undoubtedly be an upgrade on the lights of Michail Antonio and his arrival could help West Ham challenge for European qualification next season.
