Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard says they will not be rushed into a permanent deal for on-loan Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho has one more year to run on his existing contract at Barcelona and Gerrard has already made no secret of his desire to secure the 29-year-old's services beyond the end of the current campaign, with the club already holding the option to buy the attacking midfielder.

Speaking ahead of his side's trip to Leeds on Thursday where they will bid for a third straight win, Gerrard said: “For me it doesn't make any sense to make any decisions now.

“When he's physically in the right place, when he's comfortable and happy and enjoying his football, we all know we're dealing with a world-class talent.

“We just need to keep enjoying him, to keep him healthy from now until the end of the season and I'm sure he'll help us. To watch him and work with him and see him get back to his top form and enjoy his football again is a pleasure."