Liverpool storm into running for in-demand Aston Villa star to whom Anfield move appeals by submitting £20m bid
Liverpool have supposedly submitted an offer for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to claims in the player’s native Brazil.
Finding a new midfielder has become something for Liverpool to consider in the closing stages of the transfer window. Injuries to the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have highlighted a need for depth.
On one hand, it could give some young players – like Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho – the chance to develop. But Virgil van Dijk has told his superiors that those players will not suffer if new competition arrives.
Therefore, Liverpool continue to be linked with a number of midfielders. Their dream seems to be Jude Bellingham, but he would likely only be gettable next year. Jurgen Klopp needs someone else in the immediate future.
According to Torcedores reporter Matheus Leal, Liverpool have responded to their midfield emergency by bidding for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.
The former Manchester City man is now into the final year of his contract at Villa Park. He has been identified by a few clubs as a reasonably priced option.
Leal has claimed that Liverpool have now made a solid move to try and sign the 24-year-old. Apparently, they have made an offer of £20million to Aston Villa.
For now, Douglas Luiz’s current club will try to hold out for a little more. But time is running out before they risk losing him for free in 2023 – either on a pre-contract in January or as a free agent in the summer.
What’s more, the player himself is said to approve of the move.
Therefore, Aston Villa will have to consider any offers that do come their way. Atletico Madrid have also been tipped to make a bid worth £20million in recent hours, while there have been previous links with Juventus.
Douglas Luiz worth a go at £20million
Whether Liverpool’s interest is as concrete, only time will tell. If they have made a bid, though, it could be a smart bit of business.
The former Vasco da Gama youngster has done well since joining Aston Villa in 2019. Before that, he was on the books of Manchester City; even though he never played for them, it showed the belief of a big club in him.
Perhaps Liverpool could be the side to lift him back up to European level. He would be a good option for them and has plenty of space to develop further at his age.
The question the Reds would have to ask is whether Van Dijk is right in asserting a new addition will not hamper Elliott or Carvalho, both of whom scored against AFC Bournemouth in their most recent match.
They also must consider the implications on a future pursuit of someone like Bellingham. But if they can get Douglas Luiz for £20million or thereabouts, there should be minimal – if any -complaints.
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