Aston Villa hold constructive talks with Douglas Luiz over new deal – John Percy
Aston Villa have held constructive talks with midfielder Douglas Luiz over a new long-term contract, according to John Percy.
The Brazilian has entered the final 12 months of his contract and has attracted interest from several clubs on the continent, including Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma side.
But a report from The Telegraph [July 29] claims that the two parties have held good talks and that Aston Villa are hopeful or agreeing terms with the player to keep him at Villa Park going forward.
Villa rejected a £30m bid from Newcastle back in January and want to keep him at the club long term as part of Steven Gerrard’s midfield.
Gerrard has preferred to use him as a number 8 rather than a holding midfielder and that looks set to continue after the summer arrival of Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer from Marseille.
Huge boost
Villa have spent big this summer and are looking to break the monopoly of the top six and top eight, and to do that they need to keep their best players around.
They’ve so far managed to see off interest in the likes of John McGinn and Ollie Watkins and by managing to secure Luiz’s future it means the manager will have great depth for the new season.
Marvellous Nakamba, Kamara, McGinn, Jacob Ramsey and Carney Chukwuemeka all make up the rest of Gerrard’s midfield options and 24-year-old Luiz is capable of fulfilling several roles.
Keeping him away from the jaws of other teams will be seen as a huge boost and a statement to other clubs that Villa have all the intentions of competing with the top teams rather than giving up their talent to be surpassed.
It’s great news to add to a great summer and all eyes can now turn to the start of the Premier League season next week as they look to get off on the right foot.
In other Aston Villa news, Jaden Philogene-Bidace signs new Aston Villa contract, joins Cardiff on season-long loan