Ex-Newcastle United defender Jonathan Woodgate believe on-loan Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho could end up signing for the Magpies this summer. Coutinho, who joined Aston Villa on-loan from Catalan giants Barcelona, linked up with former teammate Steven Gerrard in January, scoring four goals in 16 Premier League appearances.
Gerrard's side are thought to have an option to buy the Brazilian which would cost just over £30m to exercise. As things stand, the Magpies look set to clear a host of names off their books this summer, with outgoing players a key factor in their ability to bring players in.
The likes of Jeff Hendrick, Federico Fernandez, Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis, Dwight Gayle and Mark Gillespie could all leave St James' Park in the upcoming window as Eddie Howe's side look to plot the next step in the clubs progression.
READ MORE: How have Newcastle United's loanees faired this season away from St James' Park?
And speaking on BBC Radio 5Live ahead of Villa's game against Liverpool, Woodgate reckons Coutinho could actually end up on Tyneside in just a few months time.
"He could end up at Newcastle all day," said Woodgate. "Let’s be honest, with the money they’ve got. They can attract those type of players now, like a Jesse Lingard, like a Coutinho.
"They’ve got that in their armoury now Newcastle to say there you go, you make the choice, where do you want to go? Aston Villa or Newcastle who are going to be on the up, who are going to buy more top quality players than Aston Villa."
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