Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is delighted with the signing of Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho's loan from Barcelona has been made permanent today.

Gerrard said, "We're very pleased with that news. It's fantastic for everyone connected to the club. To have him here and settled, I think he'll go up another level."

“He is a player that needs to feel wanted and feel support, and everyone at Villa has played their part.

“It's fantastic that he wants to be part of this journey.

“Phil is very humble, he is extremely professional and he sets standards on a daily basis."