Aston Villa ‘confident’ of tying midfielder down to new contract amid transfer interest

Aston Villa are said to have held ‘constructive talks’ with midfielder Douglas Luiz over a new contract, according to The Telegraph.

The 24-year-old has been a regular under Steven Gerrard following his transfer from Manchester City three years ago and is now beginning to attract interest elsewhere.

With Luiz’s current deal set to expire next summer, a number of clubs are on alert and Aston Villa will have to act fast, with a pre-contract agreement with a new club able to be agreed in the New Year.

According to the report, Villa remain hopeful of striking an agreement with the Brazilian as he is seen as an ‘integral part’ of the club’s midfield alongside Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn.

After missing out on Kalvin Phillips and Yves Bissouma this summer, tying Luiz down to a long-term contract is thought to be an even bigger priority for the club.

Villa could face tough competition in keeping hold of Luiz however, with a number of sides including AC Milan and Roma keen, meaning they may have the advantage of luring him in with the promise of European football.

Gerrard will hope that Luiz is already settled in Birmingham and will be boosted even more by the permanent signings of fellow Brazilians, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho.