Journalist says "there's a very good chance" Aston Villa now complete exciting summer deal

Aston Villa have a “very good chance” of signing Philippe Coutinho permanently in the summer transfer window, according to insider Dean Jones.

Coutinho has flourished in his first two months at Villa Park, and Jones believes the Midlands club could keep him beyond the end of the season.

The Brazil international arrived at Villa on loan in January looking to kick-start his career again after an underwhelming spell at Barcelona.

He has made a flying start under Steven Gerrard, scoring four goals and providing three assists in his opening 10 top-flight games.

The 29-year-old netted on his debut against Manchester United, and has not looked back since, establishing himself as a key member of the starting XI.

It is understood that Barcelona would be open to offloading Coutinho permanently this summer, and they have valued him at €40m (£34m).

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Jones does not expect money to be an issue for Villa, and he feels that Coutinho wants to play for a team that he can settle into quickly.

Given how well he has started for the Villans, Jones thinks there is a distinct possibility that Coutinho will opt to stay at the club on a permanent basis.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t think it’s going to come down to wages at this point.  I think that he’s had the money in his career, now he needs to try and find a home and find a place that suits him.

“That’s what he’s looking for now, and that’s why there’s a very good chance that he does join Villa permanently.”

Some fans may point out that Coutinho went off the boil at Barcelona when he moved from Liverpool in 2018. They may question whether he is just experiencing a purple patch at Villa, and have concerns