Newcastle United have entered the race to sign Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian playmaker is on loan at Aston Villa from Barcelona since January, where he has impressed.
Villa were expected to conclude a deal with Barca in the coming weeks for a modest transfer fee to sign Coutinho permanently.
However, Goal states that Newcastle are now ready to make a bid for the attacking midfielder.
The 29-year-old will have to decide if he is happy at Villa Park, playing for ex-Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, or if he wants to move to St. James' Park.
Newcastle could likely offer him a higher wage, while neither club will play in any European competition next term.