By Kevin Phillips

30th Apr, 2022 | 9:54am

Aston Villa tipped to slash Morgan Sanson price tag amid Philippe Coutinho claim - pundit

Aston Villa could be forced to lower their valuation of Morgan Sanson in order to raise funds for the signing of Philippe Coutinho this summer, according to Kevin Phillips.

The former Claret and Blue striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 27-year-old Frenchman will “definitely” leave Villa Park during the main window.

A French source told this site on Tuesday (26 April) that Marseille are are interested in re-signing Sanson.

It is understood that Villa are willing to sell the surplus-to-requirements midfielder at a loss and would accept bids close to the £10million mark.

When asked if that valuation could tumble throughout the summer, Phillips told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yeah, I would say so.

“A club has every right to hold out for their valuation at this stage of the season. But as the summer cracks on and people don’t come in for the player – that price will come down.

“Steven Gerrard could well be relying on him leaving to boost that transfer budget, and he’ll be wanting to get other players in.

“If they need that money to go and do a deal for Coutinho, then Steven will be desperate to get him out of the door.

“I think Sanson will definitely leave this summer, it’s just a question of when and how much.”

Coutinho has made a huge impression in his Premier League return.

He has notched four goals and three assists in 13 games for Aston Villa.

Manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed the Midlands club have the option to turn Coutinho’s loan into a permanent move this summer.

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