Flamengo have pulled back from talks to sign Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

The Mirror says when he joined Aston Villa permanently, Coutinho dreamed of finally getting his career back on track after a miserable spell at Barcelona.

But that dream has quickly turned to a nightmare, with manager Unai Emery now open to letting him leave Villa Park.

It had appeared that Brazilian champions Flamengo may attempt a loan move, but Villa will only accept a permanent departure.

That resulted in Flamengo abandoning their pursuit of the attacking midfielder, with his prospects of a re-emergence at Villa unlikely.