Steven Gerrard says he can understand why so many clubs are after "special" Philippe Coutinho, but would not be drawn on Aston Villa's interest.
Villa are one of six English clubs in the race to sign the Barcelona midfielder, with Coutinho keen to return to the Premier League and expected to make a decision on his future before this weekend.
Gerrard, who regards Coutinho as a friend after their time together at Liverpool as team-mates, did not want to add to speculation, but was full of praise for the 29-year-old at a Thursday news conference.
"Sixty-three caps for Brazil, a serial winner, was incredible at Liverpool, so I can understand why he's linked to a lot of football clubs," said Gerrard.
"I can understand why a lot of supporters up and down the country are speaking about him. I don't think you get a nickname as a magician if you're not a special footballer, so he's someone I have an incredible amount of respect for.
"But I don't want to add to any speculation, because he belongs to Barcelona."
The former Liverpool player wants to return to England and sign for an ambitious club where he can play regularly.
It is understood that neither Liverpool or Tottenham are among the clubs chasing his signature.
Aston Villa have made a tentative enquiry to Barcelona but Villa's bosses are conscious of avoiding a bidding war with other clubs, while the Brazilian's wage demands could also be significant.
Coutinho has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona this season and is under contract at the Nou Camp until June 2023.
The former Inter Milan player is the Spanish giants' club-record signing after he joined from Liverpool for £146m in January 2018.
But Coutinho, who has scored 28 goals in 105 games for Barca, has struggled to make an impact for the La Liga side, where he has won four major trophies.
He spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan at Bayern and won the Champions League, the Bundesliga, and the German Cup under Hansi Flick.
No club is in pole position to sign Coutinho
Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol on The Transfer Show:
"There are lots of clubs interested in signing Coutinho, including six Premier League clubs, as well as clubs abroad.
"But he wants to come back to England and to return to the Premier League.
"I'm told no club is in pole position at the moment to sign him.
"I don't think he knows where he's going, but he's got lots of options and his representatives are speaking to different clubs.
"We've seen his move to Barcelona hasn't worked out, it's been very stop-start. He wants to go somewhere where he can settle and play regularly."
Villa interested in Bologna's Hickey
Aston Villa are interested in highly-rated Scottish defender Aaron Hickey, Sky Sports News has been told.
The 19-year-old left-back moved to Italian side Bologna in the summer of 2020, after breaking through at Hearts.
He has played 19 games in Serie A already this season, scoring four goals.
Steven Gerrard was originally impressed by Hickey's performances for Hearts against his Rangers team in Scotland, and believes he could adapt well to the Premier League.
Villa are also exploring other possibilities to strengthen at left-back.
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