Gerrard Coy On Aston Villa Links To Coutinho

Coutinho has been linked with a move to a number of Premier League clubs as he seeks an exit from Barcelona, where he is surplus to requirements.

The 29-year-old has seen his career stagnate since making a £142m from Liverpool to the Camp Nou in January 2018.

Coutinho, who in a bid to rediscover his best form, spent the 2019/2020 season on loan at Bayern Munich, has made 16 appearances for Barcelona this season, mostly as a substitute and has scored two goals.

Coutinho and Gerrard spent two-and-a-half seasons as teammates at Anfield and the Villa boss is well aware of the Brazilian’s talents but is coy on whether a possible transfer is on the cards.

‘He’s a wonderful footballer,’ said Gerrard. ‘To share a dressing room and a pitch with Coutinho was an absolute pleasure because he is on a level that very few footballers are on.

‘His imagination, his creativity, some of the highlight reels are incredible and there for all to see. I think the name speaks for itself.

‘What I won’t do here or elsewhere is speak about players who belong to other clubs, that’s not fair or respectful.

'But I do appreciate his name is out there and he is linked to Aston Villa, but he is also linked to five or six other clubs in this league.

‘I’m sure there would be a long list of foreign clubs linked with Philippe’s services as well as you are talking about a world-class player.

'I understand and respect it but I can’t give anything further than that.’