Aston Villa ace tipped to snub contract extension amid Arsenal and Spurs interest

Villa ace Douglas Luiz was heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park last month, as a host of clubs including Spurs and Arsenal made last ditch attempts to sign him.

Speaking on his 'Here We Go' podcast, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano gave his verdict on the 23-year-old's future, and said: “Arsenal need a midfielder, they wanted a midfielder in January. Also because (Mohamed) Elneny will leave the club so they need a player in that position.

“Douglas Luiz is one to watch in the summer. Not only for Arsenal, they have an interest, but it’s not only Arsenal because I’m not convinced he will extend his contract with Aston Villa. He could be a big name on the market this summer, and so, keep an eye on Douglas Luiz, not only for Arsenal, but they have his name on the (transfer target) list.”

As things stand, the ex-Manchester City midfielder has less than a year-and-a-half left on his contract, and Villa could be pressured into selling to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.

Villa are believed to have turned down three separate offers for Luiz on last month's deadline day, with bids rising as high as £32m.

Newcastle United are also understood to hold a keen interest in the player, as they continue their big-money rebuild under their wealthy new owners.

Clearly, the interest in Luiz isn't going to die down any time soon, and his future at the club looks to now rest upon whether they can convince him to extend his deal.

Should Villa be unsuccessful in their aim, the ex-Vasco de Gama starlet could be subject of a bidding war when the transfer window opens again in the summer.

Meanwhile, the Villians were in Premier League action last night, as they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United.

A dazzling display from star loanee Phillipe Coutinho helped Steven Gerrard's side race into a 3-1 lead, but a crucial goal from Leeds before the break saw the visitors make it 3-2, before they completed the comeback to make it 3-3 midway through the second half.

As things stand, Villa are 11th in the Premier League table, with 27 points from 22 matches. A mid-table finish could well be on the cards, but Gerrard and his side won't have given up their hopes of securing European football just yet, with nine points currently standing between them and a Europa Conference League spot.