Barcelona are ready to slash the asking price for Philippe Coutinho to allow him to sign permanently with Aston Villa.

Coutinho joined Villa in January on-loan to June, with a permanent option set at €40m.

However, Mundo Deportivo says Barca are willing to now go as low as €15m to smooth negotiations with Villa.

The sale of the 29 year-old is favoured by Barca as they seek to free up room in their wage budget.

For his part Villa boss Steven Gerrard declared hopes of keeping hold of Coutinho on Monday.