Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has revealed that he would like to sign Philippe Coutinho on a permanent transfer from Barcelona this summer.
The 29-year-old playmaker has excelled for the Villans since joining the club on loan in January, scoring three goals and registering three assists in seven Premier League appearances.
An option to buy Coutinho at the end of the season was included in Villa's agreement with the Catalan giants, and Gerrard is hopeful that the Brazilian can extend his stay in the West Midlands.
"Phil was successful at Barcelona but he had difficult periods as well. He got to the stage where he needed a change of scenery and a different movie," Gerrard told Goal.
"We want to be that movie for him because if we want to get to where we want to be, we need to build it around talents like Phil, because at his best he is a high-level player.
"All good teams have game-changers who the opposition are really concerned about before a ball is kicked. Phil has that status and he is giving belief to his teammates.
"Our strikers Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings want him alongside them because he delivers on the big stage. I don't control transfer fees or wages.
"All I can do is give my opinion to (sporting director) Johan Lange, (chief executive) Christian Purslow and the owners. They are watching the games and they will make the final decision. Phil has shown what he is capable of so far."
A previous report has suggested that Villa could sign Coutinho for less than the £33m option to buy, with Barcelona potentially willing to lower their asking price to around £25m.
Oliver Thomas
