Aston Villa handed Philippe Coutinho transfer boost after £15m update – Whelan
Noel Whelan has tipped Aston Villa to use funds raised from Matt Targett’s prospective sale to Newcastle United to buy Philippe Coutinho this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker insisted the 29-year-old midfielder is “worth every penny”.
As reported by the Chronicle last Tuesday (8 March), Newcastle and Villa have agreed an optional purchase fee of around £15million for Targett, 26.
Meanwhile, Gerrard confirmed last week (10 March) Villa have an option in place to buy Coutinho from Barcelona.
However, the Telegraph (9 March) claim the Brazilian, who has a £480,000-a-week contract with Barcelona, will have to take a major wage cut to join Villa permanently.
The Villans are said to be paying just under 25 per cent, around £120,000-a-week, of his current wages.
Whelan insisted Coutinho is “worth paying for” and suggested Targett’s sale could fund the move.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Coutinho’s already proven what a fantastic signing and how important he is to Aston Villa.
“A player that can change the dynamics of a game you’re losing back into a game that’s possible to win.
“It’s worth paying for quality. That one player can be the catalyst for you to finish in the European positions.
“If you really want to excel into those positions, you need to have a Coutinho. It’s worth paying for, he’s worth every penny.
“With Targett, Aston Villa will be taking in £15million. That’s probably an hour’s wage for Coutinho!
“Steven Gerrard, he won’t be greedy with players and keep them if they’re not going to be used. He has allowed him to go to Newcastle and he has been fantastic.
“For Aston Villa, I think it’s good business, in my opinion.”
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