Former Liverpool star keen on shock reunion with ex-Reds teammate

Philippe Coutinho enjoyed a fairytale return to English football last week, as he scored a late equaliser to earn Aston Villa a draw against Manchester United on his Villans debut. 

The Brazilian made a shock return to the Premier League last week, joining Villa on an initially loan deal with an option to make the deal permanent.

The result would have been extra special for Steven Gerrard, Coutinho’s former Liverpool teammate and new Villa boss, especially considering the opponent.

Now, it appears that Gerrard could be about to complete an even more audacious swoop.

According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero via the Daily Mail, Luis Suarez has snubbed offers from a number of teams in order to prioritise a sensational return to England with Villa.

Suarez is reportedly intent on joining Gerrard and Coutinho at Aston Villa

Coutinho followed in the footsteps of the Uruguayan in 2018 when he joined Barcelona, four years after Suarez had done.

The pair endured differing fortunes in Catalunya, however, with Coutinho’s spell in Spain far less successful than his ex-teammate’s.

Romero reports that the striker, who has since joined Atletico Madrid, has already snubbed offers from Palmeiras, Corinthians and Atletico Mineiro in favour of joining Villa.

Gerrard was credited with persuading Suarez to remain with Liverpool for a further year in 2013 when he was heavily linked with a move away, and he is now hoping he can influence the player once more.

The 34-year-old’s contract with Atletico is due to expire in the summer, and it seems almost certain that he will leave the club with which he won the La Liga title last term.