Steven Gerrard confirms Aston Villa transfer talks with Philippe Coutinho

Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard insists Philippe Coutinho is 'happy and enjoying his football', but claims the club will not be making any decisions over the Brazilian's long-term future until the end of the season.

The former Liverpool playmaker could join Villa for a fee believed to be in the region of £33million this summer, as the club has an option to buy him permanently from Barcelona.

Coutinho has admitted it was his 'dream' to play for the Catalan giants, but has seemingly drawn a line under his time at the Nou Camp having joined Villa on loan in January.

He has made a bright start to life in the Midlands, contributing to four goals in his first six Premier League games back in England, but hasn't recorded a goal involvement in his last three games since scoring one and assisting Jacob Ramsey twice in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Villa Park.

Coutinho was still voted as the club's player of the month for February, and Gerrard thinks he deserved the award, as the Villa boss continues to keep a watchful eye over the 29-year-old at Bodymoor Heath.

"I don’t think Phil needs me speaking to him on a regular basis in terms of pulling him in to my office and asking him questions," Gerrard told .

"I can tell by his body language, in his smile, when I see them lovely teeth, I can see that he is happy and he’s enjoying his football.

"That was the main aim because I knew if we could get him in that place then we’d be seeing great things and I think he has been very consistent.

"When he came he was obviously not at his best physically, in terms of match minutes and match time, but now we’ve got training load and match load into his legs, his training level is going up and up all the time.

"I thought he was