Aston Villa want three more transfers to follow Philippe Coutinho in January window

Premier League transfer round-up: Everton make early signing as window re-opens

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Philippe Coutinho is on his way to Aston Villa on a short-term loan deal, but Steven Gerrard still reportedly wants three more transfers before the end of the January window. Gerrard made no secret of his admiration for Coutinho in his press conference on Thursday.

“I’ve got nothing but positive things to say about the player,” he said.

“He’s a friend of mine, so if I’m asked the questions I can speak for as long as you want.”

Gerrard stopped short of confirming whether Villa were interested in signing Coutinho, but an agreement is expected to be announced imminently.

The Villa boss will be hoping Coutinho can come in and add some creative flair to his attacking options at the club.

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But the signing of Coutinho is unlikely to be the only deal Villa complete this month.

They’re well stocked for options further up the pitch, but Gerrard is seemingly keen to bolster his options in defence.

According to Birmingham Live, Gerrard is looking to sign a full back and central defender.

Aaron Hickey and Nicolas Tagliafico are said to be the priority targets at full back, with more focus said to be on the former.

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The 19-year-old has impressed with Bologna in Serie A and is reportedly the “favourite” to join Villa this month.

But Villa will have to stump up £15million to sign Hickey from the Serie A side this month.

They’ve also been linked with a move for Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, although a deal to sign the 24-year-old is unlikely with Jurgen Klopp not willing to offload the defender.

Gerrard may have to look elsewhere for centre-back options with the Villa boss keen to find a replacement for Axel Tuanzebe.

It is reported that Villa are also keen to bring in a defensive midfielder with Marvelous Nakamba out for the remainder of the season.

Aaron Ramsey has been touted as a possible target with Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri admitting the midfielder will leave this month.

Allegri said: “Ramsey, he returned today after we had given him a few days off to work, to train separately, in England. In any case, he’s an outgoing player.”

The 31-year-old has started just one game for Juventus this season having fallen down the pecking order.

But he’s also struggled with injury issues while Villa will face competition for his signature from Newcastle and other clubs.

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