Aston Villa ‘hoping’ to strike La Liga transfer deal as Premier League rivals ‘lurk with intent’

Aston Villa made it back-to-back wins over the weekend thanks to a fine performance against Burnley.

Steven Gerrard’s men were ruthless at Turf Moor as they pulled off a 3-1 win thanks to goals from Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Ollie Watkins.

Following a win over Norwich, Villa are now on a run of two straight wins, and they are just one point off the top half of the table with one game in hand.

Gerrard’s men have every hope of landing a top-half finish, and that would represent some achievement after the disappointing start to the season under Dean Smith.

Even more importantly, Villa can now look forward to next season, armed with a solid platform from the back-end of this season.

Gerrard will be full of belief over what he can achieve with the Lions, and new signings ahead of next season will only help.

On that topic, we have taken a look at all the latest Villa transfer rumours.

Coutinho latest

Villa are said to be keen to reduce the amount they have to pay to sign Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal.

The Brazilian has impressed during his loan spell in the Midlands, and Gerrard is said to want to keep him for next season.

But according to Mundo Deportivo and Marca via SportWitness, Villa feel the £34million option to buy in Coutinho’s loan deal is a little too high.

They are now said to be trying to negotiate a better deal with Barcelona, but it may be a dangerous game to play amid interest from elsewhere.

As things stand, Villa have first refusal on the midfielder, but only if they are willing to pay the amount agreed.

Newcastle interest

If Villa don’t want to pay up to keep Coutinho, they could lose him and to a Premier League rival.

According to Dean Jones via GiveMeSport, Newcastle United are likely to move for the Brazilian, if Villa pass up on their option.

“Steven Gerrard still wants Villa to sign Coutinho, but Newcastle are watching this with interest,” said Jones.

“At the end of the month Villa have to tell Barcelona whether they intend to take up the option to buy him – and if they hesitate I’m told Newcastle will look to make a proposal to the player.”

That could be a big problem for Villa, and it could force them to pay up if they really do want to keep the Barca star.