Aston Villa: 'Talks ongoing' over agreement involving £31.5m star

Aston Villa are locked in talks with Douglas Luiz as they attempt to tie him down to an extended contract at Villa Park, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Brazilian was linked with a move away from the Midlands in January, but he has become an integral part of head coach Steven Gerrard’s plans since his November appointment.

Luiz entered the final 18 months of his Villa contract, which is worth £52,000-per-week, at the turn of the year.

The central midfielder played through the pain barrier in Villa’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham United last weekend.

Luiz played on until the 79th minute despite suffering a kick to the face by Hammers midfielder Manuel Lanzini in the first period at the London Stadium.

Gerrard confirmed the 23-year-old would need to undergo facial reconstruction surgery after sustaining a ‘nasty gash in the mouth’.

Luiz has been a regular starter since Gerrard swapped the Rangers dugout for Villa Park, allowing him to move beyond 100 appearances in claret and blue.

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O’Rourke understands that Luiz is holding discussions over a fresh contract with his current employers.

Villa will be desperate to see the former Manchester City man put pen-to-paper as his value will continue to decrease as he nears the end of his agreement.

The Midlands club are also keen to put an end to any lingering doubts over his future after attracting interest during the winter transfer window.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “There are still talks ongoing over a new contract  at Villa Park.

“It looks like he’s won favour with Steven Gerrard as well, despite doubts that he might be sold in January.”

According to transfer guru Fabrizio