By Danny Mills

3rd May, 2022 | 11:19am

Aston Villa's Philippe Coutinho decision may not be based on performances as new claim emerges - pundit

Steven Gerrard will decide on whether to pursue a permanent deal for Philippe Coutinho based on his performances in Aston Villa training, according to Danny Mills.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Man City and England defender claimed Coutinho’s recent performances can be blamed on Villa’s poor form.

Before the win 2-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday (30 April), Gerrard’s side were on a run of four games without a win.

Coutinho, who turns 30 next month, has now been substituted between the 70th and 80th minute in his side’s last four Premier League games.

As quoted by Birmingham Live yesterday (2 May), Gerrard backed his former Liverpool teammate to rediscover his best form before the end of the season

The club have the option to make his loan deal from Barcelona permanent for £33million this summer.

“It will all depend on what Steven Gerrard sees in training and what he wants,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.

“The team haven’t really performed and with a player like Coutinho you’ve got to get him on the ball. The team have to, not dominate, but have a good percentage of possession and be in games.

“Gerrard will look at it and think ‘How does the team play? How does Coutinho fit into that for the rest of the season and into next?’

“If he’s a big part of his plans and the style of play he wants to implement then they will probably push the boat out to try and keep him.”

In other news, a medical expert has revealed Leon Bailey may not play for Aston Villa again this season as a “nightmare” claim is issued.