Gerrard hopes decisive plan stops Aston Villa star in his tracks, as Premier League interest tally hits five

Aston Villa feel they can convince Douglas Luiz to stay by signing a new contract, with the tally of Premier League clubs keen reaching far beyond Liverpool.

Villa signed the Brazil midfielder from Manchester City in the summer of 2019 and he starred in the club’s first season back in the Premier League. Following 28 starts, he cemented his place in the team.

But after Steven Gerrard took over from Dean Smith as Villa manager, murmurings about Luiz’s future have increased.

And with only one year left on his contract this summer, those reports have ramped up. With Liverpool after a new midfielder before Thursday’s transfer cut-off, they have supposedly bid £20million for Luiz.

The Daily Mail claims, though, that Villa are still hopeful of warding off that interest by tying him to new terms.

Gerrard and his superiors will communicate a new offer to the 24-year-old their desire to keep him.

Although, the newspaper takes the tally of clubs keen on Luiz over the summer to five. Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham have all shown interest in a swoop.

Villa have seemingly not responded to Liverpool’s offer of £20million. But, the Daily Mail adds that Villa would certainly ask for more if they did decide to sell.

There is obviously the risk of losing Luiz for nothing next summer if he stays but does not sign a new contract.

Douglas Luiz not short of interest

And the chance to play in Europe for one of his reported suitors could tempt the defensive midfielder to try to get out.

As for his transfer options, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has insisted that he is only looking for the right midfielder who fits both his short-term and long-term plan.

If Luiz did move to Anfield, there is regular rotation in the midfield so Luiz would definitely get chances.

As for Arsenal, they – like Liverpool – have a strong Brazilian cohort in the first team. While not in the Champions League like Liverpool, Europa League football could certainly appeal.

And the Gunners are looking for reinforcements following the hamstring injury to Mohamed Elneny.

Tottenham look highly unlikely to make a move given they have added Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma to their engine room in successive transfer windows. Newcastle are reportedly still looking to add in the middle of the park before the transfer window shuts.

Finally, Chelsea have looked to the future with the midfield signings of Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka.

But there are problems in the here-and-now at Stamford Bridge. N’Golo Kante and Jorginho have entered the final year of their contracts and could leave.

Casadei and Chukwuemeka may be exciting prospects, but if more senior players leave, Chelsea would need a senior replacement.