Aston Villa transfer round-up: Steven Gerrard eyes cut-price Philippe Coutinho deal

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is eager to strengthen his squad further this summer as he plans an assault on the Premier League's top six next season.

Villa were very active in January bringing in Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona and signing Lucas Digne from Everton in addition to Calum Chambers, Robin Olsen and Kerr Smith.

Gerrard is considering buying Coutinho permanently this summer with his former Liverpool team-mate possibly available for cheaper than first thought, while they club have a growing interest in a Marseille midfielder talk of Villa being prepared the player a bumper deal.

Here are the latest Villa transfer stories.

Aston Villa are confident of agreeing a cut-price deal for attacking midfielder Coutinho which, according to the Daily Mail, could see him join the club for as little as £12m.

Gerrard has made it clear he still wants to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent deal after an impressive spell on loan from Barcelona. Brazil star Coutinho has scored four goals and notched three assists in the Premier League since his January move from the Catalan giants.

It is claimed Villa have have made an initial offer of around £12million to Barcelona although no fee is agreed yet and talks between the clubs are ongoing. Villa's initial agreement with the Spanish club had an option to buy at the end of the season, set for £33million.

Barcelona are said to be keen get Coutinho's sizeable salary off their wage bill to give themselves some flexibility in the transfer market by getting rid of some of their best paid players.

Aston Villa will offer Marseille holding midfielder Boubacar Kamara a five-year deal until 2027, according to reports.

The 22-year-old will become a free agent this summer as