European big hitters look to Aston Villa star as a backup to big PSG transfer
Juventus have reportedly identified Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz as an alternative to the transfer of Paris Saint-Germain star Leandro Paredes.
Juventus are said to have been tracking Paredes for a little while. The Serie A giants are one of three clubs that hold an interest in the Argentinian.
Indeed, one of the sides they may be up against for the transfer is Liverpool. It seems Juve are currently ahead of the Reds, though, as they have begun talks with PSG.
Sky Sports reports that negotiations are still ongoing between the two sides.
However, Juve have yet to come to an agreement with PSG over the potential transfer. With the transfer window nearing a close, it seems they are still keen on bringing in a midfielder.
As such, they have apparently identified a Premier League player as an alternative. Indeed, Aston Villa midfielder Luiz is reportedly Juve’s backup choice.
During the last campaign, the Brazilian was subject to reports that he would be allowed to leave this summer. However, it seems Villa are now keen on keeping him at the club.
Luiz has started the Villans’ last two games, one in the Carabao Cup – in which he scored – and the league game against West Ham.
Given he is starting games, it does not seem like Villa would want to see him leave. However, he only has one season left on his contract.
Villa have, as yet, not managed to convince him into signing a new deal. Selling up this summer would guarantee a fee, before he may be allowed to walk away as a free agent soon.
Villa should keep hold of Douglas Luiz
Selling Luiz does not seem a good move from Villa. Indeed, reports in July stated that Villa were making progress on agreeing a new deal with the midfielder.
Should they manage to tie him down, then they will not need to think about selling him any time soon.
What’s more, Villa are currently in a tough spot. They currently sit 15th in the Premier League, having lost three of their four games so far.
Keeping experienced players like Luiz around could well help them out of that situation.
