Aston Villa transfer rumours: The latest on potential January signings

It has been another busy weekend of speculation across the media as Aston Villa close in on their first new addition with the January transfer window entering its second week.

A loan deal for Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho is nearing completion as the Brazilian reunites with former Liverpool team-mate Steve Gerrard.

Villa officially confirmed they had agreed a deal with the La Liga giants in a statement released on the club’s official website on Friday and Coutinho will undergo a medical and the award of a work permit before officially completing the move.

Monday morning also brought a raft of speculation the Villa boss was set to win the race for Everton left-back Lucas Digne with the in-demand French International prepared to snub a number of offers to join Gerrard’s ranks.

There has also been talk from Sky Sports over the possible inclusion of Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi in the deal for Digne.

However, the two eye-catching additions are not the only players set to move to Villa Park according to several media sources over the weekend.

talkSPORT have suggested former West Ham United and Birmingham City goalkeeper Darren Randolph could join Villa as Gerrard looks to increase competition for regular number one Emi Martinez.

The Villa boss has also been credited with an interest in Brighton’s £50 million-rated midfielder Yves Bissouma, who is also said to be attracting the attention of Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Bissouma is currently on international duty at the African Cup of Nations with Mali.

Football Insider suggest Dundee United’s talented young defender Kerr Smith has been the subject of a £1 million bid from Villa.

There have been rumours of outgoing deals with promising winger Aaron Ramsey set to join League One club Cheltenham Town on loan until the end of the season.Two other third tier sides are looking to bring in a Villa youngster with striker Cameron Archer being eyed by Sunderland and Portsmouth according to Football League World.

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