Brazilian superstar Philippe Coutinho wants a January exit from Aston Villa.

The attacking midfielder, who did not go to the World Cup, signed permanently for Villa in the summer.

Coutinho had impressed on loan during the second half of the last season, but has been extremely ineffective so far this term.

Speaking to Bolavip Brasil, journalist Andre Hernan has stated that Corinthians in his home country want to secure Coutinho.

“Corinthians are interested. I sent someone at Corinthians a message and their reply was extremely protocol. It read: 'Every big player interests a club like Corinthians' - they didn't deny the interest but also didn't give out too much detail," said Hernan.

“Should Villa not want to remain with Coutinho, that would require a search for a new club. Kia Joorabchian, his agent is very influential at Corinthians, having been involved in other transfers at Corinthians in the past.

“He therefore wants to make an effort to take Coutinho to the club. Having spoken to someone else who works with Coutinho in Brazil, who said as much as Joorabchian's is willing to help, the project will depend on the player's side and whether it attracts him.

“However they also said that today is very difficult to imagine the opening of talks over Coutinho, so we will have to wait and see what will happen."