Aston Villa have opened talks regarding a cut-price deal for attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
Manager Steven Gerrard made it clear at the weekend that he still wants to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent deal after an impressive spell on loan from Barcelona.
Their initial agreement with the Spanish club had an option to buy set for a £33million.
Villa are understood to have made an initial offer of around £12million - but no fee is agreed yet and talks between the clubs are ongoing.