Philippe Coutinho 'could be rescued by Premier League-winning manager as shock Euro transfer lined up'

ASTON VILLA star Philippe Coutinho is wanted by Real Betis, according to reports.

The midfielder has faced a few difficult months at Villa Park including suffering an injury against Everton a few weeks ago.

That setback is believed to have led to the collapse of Coutinho's proposed move to Qatari side Al Duhail, but he is expected to be back fit soon.

And Betis are prepared to offer the Brazilian a lifeline with former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini identifying Coutinho as a replacement for the outbound Luiz Felipe, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Real Betis are understood to be interested in signing Coutinho on loan, with the former Barcelona star said to be keen on the move.

Villa had hoped to sell Coutinho on a permanent basis with Al Duhail believed to have offered around £17million.

The two clubs will now negotiate how much of Coutinho's salary will be covered by Betis.

Coutinho earns £125,000-a-week and still has three years remaining on his contract.

The star initially joined on loan from Barcelona in 2022 to work under former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard.

He made the switch permanent last summer for around £17million.

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But he lost his place in the side last season and has dropped further down the pecking order following the summer arrival of Moussa Diaby.

Villa have also been linked to Barcelona talent Abde Ezzalzouli, who is also wanted by Bayer Leverkusen.

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