Aston Villa news: Coutinho transfer update from journalist is ‘unbelievable’ – Hutton
Alan Hutton has suggested Aston Villa will look to sign Philippe Coutinho permanently “as soon as possible” after his “unbelievable” return to form.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Villa defender insisted the 29-year-old has proven his “outstanding” ability since returning to England in January.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano today (9 March), Villa have a £33.3million (€40million) purchase clause to buy Coutinho, although the board are said to be happy to wait until May before deciding to trigger it.
As quoted by the Daily Mail on Sunday (6 March), Gerrard revealed he wants Coutinho to stay past the summer.
The Villa boss suggested he is looking to build his side around the playmaker.
Hutton suggested Villa chiefs may accelerate their plans to sign him permanently after his recent form.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Steven Gerrard has that pull to bring someone like that into the football club and get the best out of him.
“He knows him well. I think that was always one of the reasons why Coutinho came to Villa, because of the manager. He looks happy, he could have scored a hat-trick easily (v Southampton).
“He was really unlucky not to score more than his one goal. He’s definitely hitting the heights. There was a question mark over him, can he rediscover that form? He’s not played in a long time.
“He’s just proved to everybody that there’s still an unbelievable player in there. It wouldn’t surprise me if they tried to get that deal done as soon as possible to keep him there and build round him.
“He makes players round about him better. When you look at Ramsey, the way they link up. Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins making runs for him, he sees passes that nobody else sees.
“I think that’s what Villa need. That kind of maverick character who can go and split defences. He’s just been outstanding. It’s been great to watch and you can tell Gerrard’s very happy. He’ll want to sign him long term.”
In other news, pundit claims Coutinho may be forcing Aston Villa teammate out.