Aston Villa remain 'in the box seat' to sign Philippe Coutinho on a permanent basis despite interest from two Premier League rivals, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The transfer window may have closed a matter of weeks ago, but the creative midfielder is already on the radar of other clubs ahead of the summer.

What's the latest news involving Coutinho?

Coutinho sealed his return to the Premier League by joining Villa on an initial loan deal which can be made permanent for £33million from Barcelona last month.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, via BirminghamLive, has claimed that fee is a snip and backed his former Liverpool team-mate to be the main man at Villa Park for years to come.

But it appears the Midlands club could face competition for Coutinho's services as two of their Premier League rivals have added the attacking midfielder to their shortlist of summer targets.

Spanish media outlet Fichajes have revealed West Ham United and Arsenal are interested in hijacking Coutinho's permanent switch to Villa.

The report suggests both clubs will enter talks with Barcelona and Gunners chief Mikel Arteta is 'in love' with the 29-year-old.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Coutinho?

O'Rourke believes Aston Villa are still at the front of the queue to take Coutinho off Barcelona's hands on a permanent basis.

The journalist feels the deal the Midlands club agreed with the Catalan giants means they are in the driving seat.

As a result, he suggests it will be difficult for West Ham or Arsenal to attract Coutinho to London in the summer.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "They're in the box seat right now. They've got him on loan with an option to buy as well."

Would Coutinho turn his back on Villa?

While the structure of the deal which took Coutinho to Villa plays into his current loan club's hands, the man in the dugout also helps.

Gerrard was appointed as the Midlands club's head coach in November and the 41-year-old is someone the 66-cap Brazil international knows well.

Coutinho and Gerrard played alongside each other 81 times while they were on Liverpool's books and their relationship played a key role in his January move.

But the chance of returning to European football could potentially turn Coutinho's head and West Ham and Arsenal are currently battling it out for a place in the Premier League's top four.

Should either of them qualify for the Champions League, that could be enough to give the Brazilian second thoughts over where his future lies.