Vasco de Gama chief breaks Philippe Coutinho silence as Aston Villa talks drag

Vasco de Gama president Pedrinho says 'negotiations continue' for Philippe Coutinho to complete a move back to his boyhood club from Aston Villa despite reports of increased demands from the player.

The Brazilian has been on the periphery of the Villa squad ever since Unai Emery took charge and last season was forced to go on loan to Qatar-based Al-Duhail in order to find regular minutes. Overall it was a fine spell for the injury-troubled 32-year-old, as he scored seven and assisted three in 22 appearances.

As he will return to Villa Park this summer, the manager's stance towards Coutinho remains the same as before and so talks have been taking place over recent weeks to organise a move back to the club he began his career with.

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Though as events have unfolded, the terms of the deal have fallen out of Villa's favour. At first it was reported to be an initial loan in view of a mandatory buy option, then this was later followed by a suggestion the midfielder's West Midlands contract - which still has two years remaining - would be terminated so that Vasco could sign him the only way they can afford to, for free.

Even if this were to happen, now Monday's edition of Brazilian newspaper O Dia now claims that the unusual demands being put forward by Coutinho to rejoin his former side are heaping more pressure onto the situation.

They allege the Villa man wants Vasco to complete the signing of two of his friends within the sport alongside himself this summer. They are claimed to be Josef de Souza, 35, who currently plays for Istanbul Basaksehir, and free agent Alex Texeira.

Still, despite this possible snag, Vasco's president offered a somewhat positive update on proceedings. He was quoted as saying: "Yesterday (Saturday), I met with Phillippe Coutinho’s representatives. The conversation was good and the negotiation continues."

All Villa can do in this situation is organise the player's contract termination on their side, then let the rest figure itself out from afar.

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