By Danny Mills

15th May, 2022 | 1:08pm

Danny Mills can't believe new Philippe Coutinho-Aston Villa claim

Philippe Coutinho may not have sacrificed much in wages to join Aston Villa permanently as he may be set for a major bonus, according to Danny Mills.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Man City and England defender after Aston Villa confirmed Coutinho’s loan deal from Barcelona had been converted into a permanent move on Thursday (12 May).

Barca confirmed that he had moved to Villa Park for a fee of €20million, around £16.9million and had signed a four-year contract.

The Telegraph’s John Percy reported the same day Coutinho, who turns 30 next month, had agreed to a pay cut of over 70 per cent to stay at the club.

He initially moved to Aston Villa on loan in January but after a strong start his form has tailed off in recent weeks.

“I’d be sceptical at a 70 per cent wage reduction just from what I know and have seen from being around football,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.

“I don’t think that is strictly true. When those things happen there will be certain bonuses in there to negate that.

“But it is a fantastic signing for Aston Villa. If Steven Gerrard can get him playing like he was at the start then he’ll be a really good addition to their squad.”

Coutinho scored four times and chipped in with three assists in his first eight games for Villa.

Since then he has gone another eight games without providing a goal contribution.

In other news, Aston Villa are lining up a move to sign a £60million-valued star after a double twist.