Steven Gerrard facing Aston Villa ‘headache’ over Philippe Coutinho deal

Steven Gerrard has been told he will have a “headache” trying to convince Philippe Coutinho to join Aston Villa permanently this summer.

The Brazilian has been sensational since arriving on loan from Barcelona in January and will almost certainly sever ties with the Catalan club in the summer. Villa have an option to sign Coutinho for £33million, but are set to face of competition from other Premier League clubs.

Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham United have all been linked with the former Liverpool playmaker, and all three are challenging for a Champions League spot. Even if they fall short, the trio are well placed to secure European football in either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League. While European football is certainly a goal for Villa, it is highly unlikely to be achieved this season.

Therefore, signing Coutinho will not be as straight forward as Villa fans hope. Transfer insider Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “That’s the headache for Steven Gerrard. He’s got to convince Philippe Coutinho not to join a club in the Champions League, but to stick with Aston Villa.

“I think that might be what he’s talking about in terms of other problems he’s got.”

Discussing Coutinho’s future recently, Gerrard said: "I think you all know what my decision would be. I think you all know what I think of him but this is not as straightforward as people think. There is obviously an option in place, Barcelona still own the player.

“Phil has got to obviously want to be here in terms of the big picture but he is enjoying his football and looks happy and settled. I know the owners are very ambitious, so we will just analyse it as we go along. But if it was totally on me and it was my cash you know what I would do."

Gerrar