Douglas Luiz verdict dealt amid Liverpool transfer 'resurgence'

Liverpool legend Steve McManaman has urged his former side to look elsewhere amid speculation of a potential transfer swoop for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz. The Reds are longstanding admirers of the Brazilian and there was a recent resurgence of interest but Villa are unwilling to sell him – and the player is happy to stay.

Attention is firmly on Unai Emery's side after an impressive start to the season and a surprise win over Manchester City. The men in claret and blue are in the lofty heights of third position in the Premier League and Luiz has been a star man throughout the opening 15 fixtures.

Five goals and two assists have been just the cherry on the top for the number six as his general midfield work has been sensational. Transfer links to Arsenal and Liverpool don't come as a surprise but a move is highly improbable and McManaman is very aware of that.

"I believe Liverpool will be looking elsewhere," the former England international admitted to Betfred. "He's doing very well under Unai Emery at this moment in time and he's had a lot more success working with him than he did with Steven Gerrard.

"I think he's better off staying at Aston Villa and being part of a group that are trying to get them into the Champions League. Though I still believe Liverpool are searching for a proper 'number six'," McManaman continued.