Aston Villa are still trying to tie Douglas Luiz down to a new deal as he’ll be out of contract in 2023 and free to leave for nothing. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to AS Roma and doesn’t appear keen to sign an extension at Villa Park, but the Midlands outfit are doing everything in their power to keep him.
John Percy of the Telegraph revealed Villa turned down a £30m bid from Newcastle United in January as they were trying to get him to sign a new deal. Steven Gerrard is a big fan of Luiz and even signed a defensive-midfielder to allow him to play higher up the pitch.
The Brazilian international has made 111 appearances in all competitions since joining on a four-year deal from Manchester City in 2019, scoring five goals with eight assists. He impressed in his first two seasons at Villa but wasn’t at his best last campaign.
Luiz made 35 appearances across the board in 2021/22 but struggled in a makeshift defensive-midfield role, so Gerrard brought in Boubacar Kamara to solve the problem. The 24-year-old’s mind looks made up, however, as little progress has been made in the last six months.
Will Villa regret turning down Newcastle’s offer, having only paid half that figure to sign him three years ago?
In other news, Aston Villa told to keep Carney Chukwuemeka despite ‘crazy’ demands
