Football in brief

Philippe Coutinho has completed a permanent switch to Aston Villa from Barcelona in a deal the Laliga giants announced was worth 20 million euros (£17m).

The Brazilian arrived at Villa Park in January for a loan stint after being deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona, who confirmed the exliverpool playmaker’s move includes a 50% sell-on clause.

Villa head coach Steven Gerrard revealed last weekend that he was eager to sign a player he captained at Liverpool permanently and the 29-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal that runs until 2026.

Coutinho joined Barcelona from Liverpool in 2018 in a deal worth £146m but, despite helping the Spanish club to two league titles, he spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Bayern Munich.

Only in flashes did he show the form that made him such a hot property on Merseyside, scoring 26 goals in 106 appearances for the Catalan club.

Kilmarnock will have Kyle Lafferty in their ranks for their top-flight return after the Northern Ireland international signed a new one-year contract.

The former Rangers and Hearts forward returned to Rugby Park in January to help Derek Mcinnes and his squad secure the cinch Championship title.

Former Raith Rovers and St Johnstone midfielder Ross Callachan has signed a contract extension that ties him to Ross County until 2024.

The 28-year-old has made 38 appearances since moving from Hamilton and helped County to a top-six finish in the cinch Premiership.

Cowdenbeath veteran Bobby Barr has revealed he may hang up his boots this summer.

“I’ve had a good career and now I just hope Cowdenbeath can stay up,” said Barr, 35, whose side face Bonnyrigg Rose in the Pyramid Final second leg tomorrow.

“I’ll make a decision over the summer,” he added.