Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has reportedly made personal contact with Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian is set to leave Barcelona this month after a torrid four year spell.

Villa are one of several English clubs to be linked with the 29-year-old.

To get the edge on his rivals, Gerrard has called his former Liverpool team-mate to gauge his interest in moving to Villa Park.

El Partidazo de Cope - via the Mirror - says the two clubs are discussing a loan deal which would see Coutinho stay in England until June.

The exit of Coutinho will allow Barca to speed up the registration of new signing Ferran Torres.

Gerrard and Coutinho came close to winning the Premier League title with Liverpool in the 2013/14 season.