Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has captured Philippe Coutinho in his first signing of his Aston Villa reign.
The Barcelona attacker has joined on a six-month loan deal and will reunite with his former Liverpool team-mate in Birmingham.
A short club announcement read: " Aston Villa and FC Barcelona have agreed terms for Philippe Coutinho to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park.
"The agreement, which is subject to the player completing a medical and receiving a work permit, also includes an option to buy and Philippe will travel to Birmingham in the next 48 hours."
Brazilian playmaker Coutinho was out of the picture at Camp Nou and has been moved on temporarily as club legend Xavi needs more funds to help rebuild the club.
More players are expected to depart while for Aston Villa the signing of Coutinho represents a huge statement of intent from Gerrard and chief executive Christian Purslow.
Per Barcelona's statement, only part of his wages will be paid by Villa with Barca picking up the rest.
