Aston Villa star Philippe Coutinho may already be nearing the end of his Villa Park career following the appointment of Unai Emery as the club's new head coach, according to journalist Dean Jones.

After sacking Steven Gerrard last month, the Midlands giants' hierarchy quickly named Emery as his successor, but the change in the dugout may not pay off for Coutinho.

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What's the latest news involving Coutinho?

Having spent the second half of last season on loan from La Liga giants Barcelona, Coutinho made the £17million permanent switch during the summer transfer window.

While the creative midfielder would have been looking to impress Brazil head coach Tite, who was watching from the St James' Park stands on Saturday, he was given little time to make an impact in a 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

That is because Coutinho was named among Villa's substitutes on Tyneside and he only emerged from the bench with less than 30 minutes to play.

The 69-cap Brazil international will be fearful that he is going to miss out on his country's squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

Coutinho has not found the back of the net since the final day of last season and his last assist came back in March.

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What has Dean Jones said about Coutinho?

Jones fears that Coutinho is on a downward spiral and Emery could overlook the South American in favour of other options if he fails to make an instant impression.

The transfer insider is unsure of where the 30-year-old could go if Gerrard's successor is unable to get the best out of him.

When asked which players may not benefit from Emery's appointment, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Coutinho is the obvious one. It's hit or miss now.

"He will either fly under Emery or that's the end and I'm quite worried for him if it's the end.

"If this is another high-profile coach who struggles to get a tune out of Coutinho on a regular basis, you have to wonder what his career holds from here."

Could Villa sell Coutinho in January?

There is no doubt that Coutinho has endured a worrying start to the campaign, having failed to contribute a single goal or assist in 13 appearances.

With that kind of form, Emery could opt to hand fellow attacking-minded midfielder Emiliano Buendia - who has registered two goal contributions this term - an extended run in the starting line-up.

If that is the case, it would make sense to find a buyer for Coutinho - a Champions League and Copa America winner - but that will be difficult if his performances do not improve ahead of the January transfer window.

Clubs will not want to meet the South American's wage demands, with him currently being on £125,000-per-week, so a mid-season move away from Villa Park appears to be unlikely at this stage.

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