"They are stellar" - Reputable journalist now "very impressed with Aston Villa"

Aston Villa showed they mean business by drafting in four new signings during Steven Gerrard's first transfer window at the helm, according to the Daily Mail's chief football reporter Sami Mokbel.

Gerrard was appointed as the Midlands club's head coach in November and he wasted no time in bolstering the squad he inherited following the sacking of Dean Smith.

Villa showed their ambition early in the transfer window by signing creative midfielder Philippe Coutinho on an initial loan, which has the option to buy, from Spanish giants Barcelona.

Gerrard played alongside Coutinho on 81 occasions during their time together at Liverpool and the 41-year-old hailed his first arrival since moving into the hot seat as an 'outstanding footballer' who will be 'invaluable' to Villa.

Lucas Digne then made the switch from Premier League rivals Everton, with Villa forking out up to £25million.

Gerrard admitted he 'jumped at the opportunity' to sign the Frenchman after it became clear he had been frozen out by then-Toffees boss Rafa Benitez.

Robin Olsen will be Emiliano Martinez's understudy after making the loan move from Serie A side Roma until the end of the season.

Villa rounded off their January incomings by acquiring defender Calum Chambers from Arsenal, meaning they forked out £27million last month.

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Mokbel believes there can be no question marks over whether Villa's owners backed Gerrard in the transfer market.

The journalist reckons the head coach succeeded in bringing in his top targets ahead of Monday's deadline.

Mokbel told GIVEMESPORT: "I was very impressed with Aston Villa and how they went about their business in Steven Gerrard's first window