Galatasaray 'want to sign Aston Villa flop Philippe Coutinho on loan'

Turkish giants Galatasaray are interested in signing Phillipe Coutinho on loan from Aston Villa for the remainder of the season, according to reports.

The Brazilian midfielder has struggled to implement himself within the Villa squad this season and has been restricted to just six Premier League starts during the campaign.

With the ex-Liverpool star being one of the club's highest earners, there are hopes they'll be able to sort a transfer for Coutinho within the next week.

According to the Sun, the Super Lig side want to bring in the out-of-favour midfielder before the Turkish transfer window closes on Wednesday.

The outlet claim that Galatasaray are seeking an initial loan deal but may be open to negotiating a permanent agreement further down the line.

Unai Emery's side would be looking to recoup a part of the £17million that they initially spent on the ex-Barcelona playmaker in the summer.

Coutinho had spent the season prior on loan with the Midland side and had been a relative success but has since failed to kick on during his permanent stint.

He has yet to score a goal or make an assist for the Villains in 19 appearances this season, while he also picked up a muscle injury which ruled him out of Brazil's World Cup squad.

The midfielder managed to record five goals and three assists during his loan spell at Villa Park last year under Steven Gerrard's guidance, leading to a permanent move.

The Brazilian was also linked with a potential move to Brazilian side Corinthians last month but speculation over that potential transfer has since cooled off.

As reported by Spanish outlet Sport, Corinthians president Duilio Monteiro Alves said: 'The contact exist and the desire is there, but it is a very difficult deal.

'We want the player on loan, but while the transfer window in Europe is open, everything is very difficult. It is still a very premature operation but we have to try.'

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has not included Coutinho in a Premier League starting line-up since taking over the hotseat in November.

Galatasaray are currently top of the Turkish Super Lig and look on track to win the top-flight title.

The club have not won a league title in over four years but look to put an end to that with their tremendous form - which has seen them win nine in a row.

If Coutinho were to secure a move to Turkey, he would link up Juan Mata, Dries Mertens, Mauro Icardi and Lucas Torreira.