Explained: Why Aston Villa face complicated Philippe Coutinho transfer from Barcelona

Philippe Coutinho is exhibiting some top form at Aston Villa as the Brazilian continues to impress on loan from Barcelona.

The 29-year-old could join Villa on a permanent basis in the summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £33million, yet boss Steven Gerrard claims the deal is not as straightforward as people might think.

Coutinho has made seven goal contributions in his first eight games for Villa and the club have climbed the league table since his arrival in January.

He joined Villa on loan from Barca as the Spanish club looked to shift some of their highest earners off their books. Gerrard then convinced Coutinho to come back to the Premier League and rediscover his confidence playing at Villa.

The Villa boss promised Coutinho minutes on the pitch and games in a system he could flourish in.

It's been a case of so far so good for the Brazilian at Villa, but supporters are already worrying if his sensational form could lead to a switch elsewhere in the summer, while he is showing the same flashes of brilliance he had been demonstrating in a Liverpool shirt four years ago, before he commanded a £142million transfer fee.

Following Villa's 3-0 win over Leeds in midweek - where Coutinho scored his fourth goal of the season - Gerrard admitted it wouldn't be as easy for Villa to sign the Brazilian permanently as fans might have hoped.

"I think you all know what my decision would be!" Gerrard outlined.

"This is not as straightforward as people think. There's obviously an option in place (£33million). Barcelona still own the player. Phil's got to obviously want to be here, in terms of the bigger picture, but he's enjoying his football.

"I know the owners are ambitious and we'll analyse it as we go along but, if it