Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to make a sizeable contract offer to Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez, in order to try and tempt the Chilean into a return to the Premier League.

What's the word?

That's according to La Tercera, with the Midlands outfit named as one of the clubs who are believed to be interested in signing the 33-year-old this summer, with the player set to be allowed to depart by the Serie A side despite having a year remaining on his existing deal.

The report suggests that NSWE are willing to 'match the current salary' that the former Arsenal man takes home in Italy, with the 146-cap star reportedly raking in around £175k-per-week at present.

The veteran ace has been at the San Siro since joining, initially on loan, from Manchester United in the summer of 2019, having spent just 18 months with the Red Devils following his high-profile switch from the Emirates in January 2018.

Imagine him and Coutinho

Some may question the wisdom in bringing in a player no longer in his pomp, although were these reports to prove accurate it would represent another major coup for manager Steven Gerrard, with the 42-year-old having already demonstrated his immense pulling power this summer.

One notable signing in the current window has been that of former Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho, the Brazilian playmaker joining from Barcelona on a £17m permanent deal, having spent the last six months on loan at Villa Park.

The "creative genius", as he has been described by pundit Phil Thompson, has already shown a flickering of his quality in a claret and blue jersey thus far, chipping in with five goals and three assists during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

The thought of a player who once cost £142m ending up with the Villans would have seemed laughable a few years ago, yet it now appears he could even be joined by a player who was once raking in a reported £400k-per-week at Old Trafford in Sanchez.

Two huge names, but undoubtedly two huge talents, with the latter man having sparkled during his previous stint with the Gunners, proving himself one of the most deadly forwards in the division during his three-and-a-half-year stay in north London.

While his subsequent switch to the Theatre of Dreams failed to work out - as he provided just 14 goal contributions during his time with United - his overall Premier League record remains hugely impressive, as he netted 63 goals and provided 31 assists in 154 appearances, while also providing 396 crosses and creating 52 big chances.

Not just a creative influence, however, the diminutive forward also impressed with his aggressive and relentless all-round approach, having been rightly dubbed a "warrior" by Liam Canning.

Once also described as "electric" by pundit Martin Keown, the £3.15m-rated ace may not quite be what he once was in the present day, although he can still deliver a moment of magic when needed, having scored five goals and provided two assists in the league last term, despite only starting seven games.

Making a move for what is now a fading force may not be particularly wise, yet it would no doubt be worth it just to see both him and Coutinho share the pitch together, with the mercurial duo adding that sprinkling of star quality that can excite a stadium.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he's one of the “best” in his role