Philippe Coutinho next club: Aston Villa, Arsenal, Newcastle transfer links - and when did he leave Liverpool?

Aston Villa have contacted Philippe Coutinho’s agent as they look to bring the midfielder back to England on loan.

Reports suggest Steven Gerrard’s side are the first to make a move for the Brazilian, though a number of Premier League clubs are also keen.

A return to England has seemed to be on the cards ever since he signed for Barcelona, but it looks like it will finally happen this month.

Where will Philippe Coutinho go in January?

Aston Villa are currently looking like Coutinho’s likeliest destination, with the West Midlands club in talks with Barcelona over a loan deal.

While Coutinho may be hoping to permanently depart the Catalan giants, a temporary stay with his former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, could be what he needs.

Meanwhile, the midfielder has also been linked with a return to Merseyside with both Liverpool and Everton.

It seems very unlikely that Coutinho will be able to impress just like he did during his first spell at Anfield, but Liverpool are in need of attacking reinforcements this month following Mo Salah and Sadio Mane’s departure to AFCON.

The Toffees have long been linked with the 29-year-old, though betraying the red side of Merseyside doesn’t seem like it would be on Coutinho’s agenda.

Another two clubs Coutinho has been linked with is Arsenal and Newcastle United.

According to Cadena Ser jurnalist Bruno Alemany, the Brazil midfielder would ‘choose Arsenal’ over the Magpies - probably a good choice given Newcastle’s current league position and form.

Bookies odds

According to Sky Bet, Aston Villa are currently favourites to win the race for Coutinho - with Gerrard eager for a reunion with his ex-teammate.

The bookies have also linked Manchester United with the Barcelona man, though perhaps the least likely of his potential destinations.

Aston Villa 4/6

Tottenham 4/1

Newcastle 6/1

Arsenal 8/1

Liverpool 12/1

Everton 25/1

Manchester United 33/1

When did Philippe Coutinho leave Liverpool?

After a brilliant five years in Liverpool following his move from Inter Milan in 2013, Barcelona snapped up the Brazilian superstar in January 2018.

The La Liga club signed Coutinho for an initial £105 million, rising to £142 million.

After four years in Spain, Coutinho has scored 26 goals in over 100 appearances.