Aston Villa have a "very good chance" of signing Philippe Coutinho permanently in the summer transfer window, according to insider Dean Jones.

Coutinho has flourished in his first two months at Villa Park, and Jones believes the Midlands club could keep him beyond the end of the season.

What is the current situation with Coutinho?

The Brazil international arrived at Villa on loan in January looking to kick-start his career again after an underwhelming spell at Barcelona.

He has made a flying start under Steven Gerrard, scoring four goals and providing three assists in his opening 10 top-flight games.

The 29-year-old netted on his debut against Manchester United, and has not looked back since, establishing himself as a key member of the starting XI.

It is understood that Barcelona would be open to offloading Coutinho permanently this summer, and they have valued him at €40m (£34m).

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What has Jones said about Coutinho's future?

Jones does not expect money to be an issue for Villa, and he feels that Coutinho wants to play for a team that he can settle into quickly.

Given how well he has started for the Villans, Jones thinks there is a distinct possibility that Coutinho will opt to stay at the club on a permanent basis.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t think it’s going to come down to wages at this point.  I think that he’s had the money in his career, now he needs to try and find a home and find a place that suits him.

“That’s what he’s looking for now, and that’s why there’s a very good chance that he does join Villa permanently.”

Is it a no-brainer for Villa to try to sign Coutinho permanently?

Some fans may point out that Coutinho went off the boil at Barcelona when he moved from Liverpool in 2018. They may question whether he is just experiencing a purple patch at Villa, and have concerns about his form fading away again like it did in Spain.

Furthermore, £34m is not cheap, even in the current market. If Villa decide to go through with this deal, Coutinho would become one of the most expensive players in the club's history.

However, his overall career suggests that he is worth it. The diminutive midfielder was a joy to watch at Liverpool, and he has hit similar heights at Villa in recent weeks.

He is one of the only players in the Villa squad that can change a game in an instant, and it will be hard to find someone else at a cheaper price with his skillset.

Therefore, if Villa feel they have a realistic opportunity to sign him permanently, the club's owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens should undoubtedly take it.