Roma ‘relationship’ could land Aston Villa star as former favourite criticises Steven Gerrard

Italian giants Roma are hoping to make the most of a ‘good relationship’ with Douglas Luiz’s agents to beat Arsenal to the signing of the Aston Villa midfielder.

The Gunners made several attempts to land the Brazilian star during the final hours of the summer transfer window - but were left disappointed as Villa refuted bids believed to be in the region of £20m and £25m.

Speaking after the closure of the window, Villa boss Steven Gerrard assessed the situation, saying: “I have confidence that he’ll understand the situation and the club’s decision that we didn’t want to lose a very important player and a top player so late in the window.  From a personal point of view I very much back the club’s decision and stance on that.

“I spoke to Dougie yesterday on that and he understood where it was at and the position that the club was in and very much respects the decision.  Hopefully it’ll calm down in the hours and days coming and he’ll be fine moving forward.”

Despite remaining with Villa, Luiz’s long-term future still seems to lie away from Villa Park as he heads into the final six months of his current contract when the January transfer window opens for business.

Jose Mourinho is a known admirer of the midfielder and reports in Italy have suggested Roma’s ‘good relationship’ with Luiz’s representatives could allow them to beat Arsenal to his signature in a cut-price deal after Christmas or at the end of the season.

Roma Giallorossa have stated that relationship could ‘facilitate the operation’ and see Luiz head to Serie A, with Lyon star Houssem Aouar and Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos - both players linked with Premier League clubs in recent weeks - said to be on their list of alternatives.

Villa described as ‘boring’ by former striker

Former Aston Villa star Gabriel Agbonlahor has hit out at his old club and labelled Steven Gerrard’s side as ‘very predictable and boring to watch’.

Villa have endured a challenging first two months to the season and current sit just three points and two places above the relegation zone after winning just two of their opening nine games of the campaign.

Assessing their recent performances, Agbonlahor told talkSPORT: “I don’t want to go and watch Aston Villa play at the moment.  I don’t go to Villa Park and watch them because it is not entertaining.  The tactics Gerrard is trying to use at Aston Villa is to get the ball out to Matty Cash and get crosses in.

“But the strikers we have got are not the ones who can get in front of defenders and get headers in.  It’s very predictable and boring to watch.”