Aston Villa player eyes next club amid ‘£20m’ exit claims, Midfielder ‘will wait’ to decide on Villans offer

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will be counting down the days to his side’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth next weekend.

But even as the new season quickly approaches, the Villans will still have one eye on the transfer market, and any potential deals they could look to strike.

With that in mind, here is Sunday’s Villa-related transfer speculation...

Luiz waits to make decision

Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz will bide his time before making a decision on his future at the club, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Brazilian has been the subject of contract talks in recent days, with the Villans keen to secure his long-term future in the Midlands.

But transfer guru Romano has suggested that the player will assess his options fully before committing to a new deal.

Speaking on the Que Golazo podcast, he said: “They [Villa] are trying to extend his contract.

“He was very good in pre-season. Steven Gerrard is super happy with him. So he is a player that they want to keep.

“They’re offering him a new deal, but he has not accepted yet because Douglas Luiz from what I’m told will wait a bit before signing any deal with Villa.

“He wants to understand if he can have some opportunity next summer on a free. so I think it will take some time.”

Chukwuemeka eyes Milan move

Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is reportedly open to joining AC Milan, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The teenager is entering the final year of his contract at Villa Park - a situation that has led to widespread speculation over a potential move.

And despite interest from the likes of PSG, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, Chukwuemeka is said to have given his approval to a move to the Serie A champions.

For their part, however, Villa are refusing to lower their £20 million valutation of the player.

Sanson in Gerrard plans

Midfielder Morgan Sanson remains in Steven Gerrard’s plans at Villa Park, according to BirminghamLive.

The Frenchman was limited to just three Premier League starts last term, with a further seven appearances coming from the bench.

It has also been widely reported that Gerrard is eager to upgrade his central midfield options this summer, but as things stand, Sanson is expected to be given another chance to prove himself for Villa next term.