Barcelona are reportedly keen to hold imminent talks over Philippe Coutinho's next career move.
The Brazil international has thrived under the tutelage of Steven Gerrard during his loan spell at Aston Villa, scoring four goals and setting up three more in 12 Premier League appearances so far.
Villa possess the option to make Coutinho's stay permanent for a £33m fee this summer, but there have been suggestions that the West Midlands outfit may struggle to stump up the money.
Amid the fresh uncertainty, The Mirror claims that Barcelona intend to sit down with Coutinho's entourage in the coming days, with the former Liverpool man not in Xavi's plans moving forward.
Should Villa ultimately decide against triggering the option to make Coutinho's stay permanent, the report adds that the 29-year-old's representatives will soon start putting out feelers for other clubs.
Coutinho prepares to leave Barcelona after banking 25 goals and 14 assists for the club in 106 appearances since his nine-figure move from Liverpool in 2018.
Ben Knapton
