The January transfer window is now underway and the first Premier League deals are already being completed, with many managers allowed to make acquisitions at their new clubs for the first time.
Steven Gerrard is one of those after making the mid-season switch from Rangers to Aston Villa, and the former Liverpool star may trigger a sensational deal for Philippe Coutinho for his first piece of business.
Villa have been impressive since Gerrard replaced Dean Smith, but they still lack creativity despite reinvesting the £100m they received for Jack Grealish in the summer.
But Gerrard is using his array of contacts to his advantage, and has personally called Coutinho in an attempt to bring him back to England.
Coutinho left Liverpool in 2018 to join Barcelona for a mammoth £140m, but the move hasn't gone to plan for the Brazilian since leaving Merseyside.
Barcelona have plummeted since Coutinho has made the move, and the midfielder has been linked with a move back to the Premier League ever since he departed, with Liverpool constantly mentioned as an escape route.
However, Gerrard has reportedly made contact with his friend and former Liverpool teammate in order to push for a loan move in January, according to multiple reports in Spain.
El Partidazo de Cope claims that both parties are negotiating a loan move with sources involved confirming that a short-term deal until June is being worked on, and journalist Gerard Romero has said that there was a 'call' from Gerrard for Coutinho to join him at Villa.
It is also claimed that the exit of Coutinho will allow Barcelona to speed up the registration of new arrival Ferran Torres from Manchester City, who joined in a deal worth £55m.
Coutinho arrived at Liverpool from Inter Milan in 2011 and quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield, also recognised by Gerrard as one of his favourite teammates.
The Brazilian was pivotal in Liverpool's infamous title chase during the 2013/14 season, where Gerrard almost captured the Premier League title, but was left heartbroken by City.
Coutinho became a major success at Liverpool before being tempted by Barcelona, but the Brazilian's experience could prove valuable to Gerrard, who has aspirations of making Villa a European side.
Gerrard knows the player inside out too after playing with him for four years at Liverpool, and although Coutinho may have suffered a dip in form, class is permanent and he would majorly lift Villa Park.
Villa aren't alone in their pursuit though, as up to four other Premier League sides are chasing him, with Arsenal and Liverpool still said to be keeping an eye on proceedings.
