Paul Merson delivers honest verdict on Aston Villa's January transfer business

Paul Merson has praised Aston Villa's January transfer business, but claims Philippe Coutinho would not have joined if it wasn't for the pull of his former team-mate Steven Gerrard.

Coutinho joined on loan from Barcelona before Villa completed another three deals in the January window.

Lucas Digne and Calum Chambers both joined on permanent deals, while goalkeeper Robin Olsen arrived on loan from Roma.

And asked whether he thought Villa’s business in January was a ‘hit or miss’, Merson delivered a positive verdict.

“For me, hit,” he said on Sky Sports, via HITC. “I think if Coutinho gets anywhere near the heights he was at, then definitely.

“Lucas Digne is a good player. Calum Chambers is not as old as people think he is. He has been around a long time.

“But he is a good pro. He can play in a few good positions. I like it. Good signings. All three of them.

The ex-Villa midfielder added: “A lot comes down to it (the manager). All the clubs have money. It’s about the manager and who they want to play for.

“Coutinho, no disrespect to Aston Villa, they are a great club and I was lucky enough to play for them, he wouldn’t have signed if Gerrard wasn’t the manager.”