‘My focus’ - Aston Villa star reveals stance as Wolves return eye £8.5m ace who could replace Ait Nouri

Excitement is at an all-time high at Villa Park as the Lions prepare to make their first journey into the Champions League since 1983. Aston Villa are spearheaded by a manager with elite European credentials in Unai Emery, having guided Sevilla to three Europa League titles and Villarreal to one Europa League triumph.

Emery has vast experience in the Champions League and has guided Valencia and PSG to the round of 16 and has remarkably led Villarreal to just their second semi-final in their history.

The Spainard will hope to lead the West Midlands club to an unforgettable season next term but knows that a large part of that success will rest on the future of some of his prized assets including Brazilian Douglas Luiz who has been tracked by Arsenal for a number of years.

The Gunners had three bids rejected for Luiz in the summer of 2022 and also showed immense interest in the 26-year-old last summer before eventually moving for Declan Rice. Arsenal are still understood to be fans of Luiz, though Juventus are also keeping tabs as they look for a player to fill the void left by the now suspended Paul Pogba.

However, despite the speculation surrounding his future Luiz remains committed to the project at Villa Park and has claimed he is in the best moment of his career. In a boost to Villa fans, he told Sky Sports News: "I am very happy to hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa,"

“My focus is totally here. I don't spend a lot of time looking at the stories. I see them, but I don't focus on that and I'm not looking at it every day. My head is here at Aston Villa. It is a club that opened its doors to me when I came to England, so I have a lot of affection and a lot of love for it. I have been here for five years, so I have a big responsibility in our team now. I am one of our captains and that drives me a lot. I know the player I am, and I know the player I can become."

Luiz went on to praise the impact of Emery’s appointment.

"Unai, honestly, is an incredible manager," he added. "Since he arrived here, he has changed the history of the club. Aston Villa is a very big club in England, but things weren't going so well. Unai has changed it. Now, people respect the club and the players more. I believe I am in the best moment of my career. The manager demands a lot from me and I believe he has helped me a lot as well. I am happier than ever to keep working and continue evolving."

Wolves make move for £8.5m ace

Wolves are hoping to make a move for Famalicao full-back Francisco Moura as they continue to scour the Portuguese market for talent.

GiveMeSport understands that Wolves are willing to pay around £8.5m to land the 24-year-old, as they prepare for the possible sale of Rayan Ait-Nouri, following interest from Liverpool.

Moura is a product of the Braga academy who has represented Portugal at U18,U19 and U20 level. He was given his first real opportunity under Carlos Carvahal and became a first team regular in the 2021/22 season as Braga finished fourth and reached the Europa League quarter-final.

The young left back was moved on to F.C. Famalicão in 2022 and has been a regular for two seasons - making 61 appearances and scoring three goals and providing six assists.