ASTON VILLA sealed the loan signing of Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho this morning.

The move sees the ambitious Midlanders reunite boss Steven Gerrard with his former Liverpool team-mate Coutinho.

The transfer illustrates the incredible pull that a man of Gerrard's star power can have at a football club.

And it also adds another impressive option to their attacking arsenal.

Gerrard, 41, could slot Coutinho into a No10 slot with free license to create.

A fluid attacking midfield trio with the former Anfield hero teamed up with the likes of Emi Buendia and Bertrand Traore could be a frightening prospect for opposition defences.

While in Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, Villa have two forwards that will be licking their lips at the thought of receiving Coutinho's service.

Gerrard is likely to deploy John McGinn and Douglas Luiz in midfield around his new signing.

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But whether he fields them behind Coutinho, or potentially as part of a midfield trio with him, remains to be seen.

If Villa can consistently keep Leon Bailey fit, the Jamaican will provide another superb option.

And it is worth remembering that they also boast an incredible academy.

The likes of Jacob Ramsey and Cameron Archer have impressed this term.

Meanwhile Anwar El-Ghazi, Trezeguet and Ashley Young provide enviable depth.

Whoever he fields around him, Gerrard expects Coutinho to shine.

He said of the 29-year-old: "I don't think you get a nickname as a magician if you're not a special footballer."

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