Aston Villa star Philippe Coutinho turning things around at Villa Park is difficult to imagine, says journalist Dean Jones.

The attacking midfielder has struggled in the Premier League this season and is now being linked with a move to Corinthians.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

Aston Villa transfer news - Philippe Coutinho

According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Corinthians are optimistic about signing Coutinho from Villa.

They also state that the 30-year-old is willing to make a return to Brazil despite having only joined his current side on a permanent deal in May.

As reported by Sky Sports, Villa bought Coutinho from Barcelona for £17m after a successful loan spell last season.

However, he has been unable to replicate his early Villa form this term.

What has Dean Jones said about Philippe Coutinho?

Jones thinks Coutinho is going to struggle to get back to his best again at Villa.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist said: "It really is difficult to see him turning things around at Villa, but these early days of the restart will tell us everything we need to know."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Philippe Coutinho's stats for Aston Villa

This season, Coutinho has failed to score or provide a single assist in 12 Premier League games, as shown on Transfermarkt.

It is hugely disappointing given that last term he managed to record eight goal contributions in 19 top-flight outings.

“Coutinho’s been a big disappointment," former Villa goalkeeper Shay Given told talkSPORT (via BirminghamLive) back in October. "I mean, I suppose [Barcelona] wouldn’t have let him go if there was still a really good player in there.

"He [Steven Gerrard] has got him on the cheap, people would say because of what Liverpool got for him a few years before that, but he looks a shadow of the player that was at Liverpool. He really does."

With Unai Emery now at the helm, it is a bit of a reset for Coutinho and his team-mates. Perhaps the managerial change helps him rediscover his form. If not, then it looks like the Brazil international could make a swift exit as Corinthians circle.

Ultimately, then, while Coutinho did show some promising signs during his initial loan spell with the Villans, his move to Villa Park has not quite worked out overall.

It will now be interesting to see what Emery does with him and how long the Spaniard is willing to persist with the former Barcelona star if at all.

You can find all the latest football news and rumours right here.