‘Excellent’ £30m Newcastle, Tottenham target is in no rush for new contract

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Steven Gerrard is keen to keep Douglas Luiz at Aston Villa but the Brazilian is in no rush to agree a new contract, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur showing an interest.

That’s according to Birmingham Live, who report the midfielder impressed Gerrard in pre-season this summer. But Luiz’s long-term future at Villa Park remains uncertain now that the 24-year-old has entered into the final 12 months of his current contract worth £33k-a-week.

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Aston Villa gave the Rio de Janeiro native a four-year deal when joining from Manchester City for £15m in 2019. He has since gone on to amass 111 appearances for the claret-and-blue outfit across all competitions. Yet questions still reside over what his best position is.

Luiz has favoured a more attack-minded role in the engine room, but is often relied on in a holding position. Yet his performances as the deep-lying anchor have not always produced the displays Aston Villa have needed, compared to when spreading the ball whilst in form.

Gerrard has seen enough from Luiz since replacing Dean Smith at the Villa Park helm back in November to want the midfielder to commit his long-term future, though. But he needs to convince the five-cap Brazil international to pen new terms with Luiz in no rush to do so.

Aston Villa offer Luiz new contract amid Newcastle, Tottenham interest

Aston Villa have opened talks with Luiz’s agent regarding a possible new contract in recent weeks, per The Telegraph. The Birmingham outfit sought to lock his future down after they rejected a £30m offer from Newcastle in January, and see Luiz as a key piece of the puzzle.

Newcastle remain interested in buying Luiz from Aston Villa, though, per Planet Sport, who also cite Tottenham among his suitors. Antonio Conte admires the Brazilian, now valued at £30m, as he seeks extra midfield depth to cover Spurs competing in multiple competitions.

But Luiz – who Philippe Coutinho has called ‘excellent’ – may want more promises over his game time to quit Aston Villa than Tottenham could offer over interest from Newcastle. AC Milan and Roma have also eyed his situation as they target extra bodies for their midfields.