Philippe Coutinho’s decision to join Aston Villa on a loan deal from Barcelona in January has paid off as he has starred for the Premier League side. The Brazil international has four goals and three assists from 11 league appearances.
As part of the agreement between Villa and the La Liga side, the former have an option to buy the attacking midfielder for €40m in the summer.
The 29-year-old’s form has seen him attract reported interest from Newcastle United and Arsenal in recent days. However, Steven Gerrard has hinted Villa will try to retain him beyond this season.
“What the owners have done for this club has been phenomenal in terms of support. I don’t think they will change because given the communication I have had they are very ambitious and want to win games, like me,” Gerrard said.
“I think we are aligned from top to bottom in the club. All my close staff know where we are strong and where we need support.”
Gerrard’s comments are relayed in today’s edition of Sport, who again point out the €40m buying option for Aston Villa.
Despite ‘not going through their best moment’, it’s said the English club are ‘very satisfied’ with the former Liverpool star’s performances. 
With the player impressing the English club, the newspaper explains that the fee needed to make Coutinho’s stay permanent is ‘not a problem’ for Villa’s owners.
With Gerrard giving a ‘clue’ that his side could retain Coutinho after this season, Sport now state that Villa won’t have any issue to buy the South American in the next window. However, there is no mention whether they are ready to meet his current high wages.
