Man City 'ready to launch plan to re-sign Douglas Luiz' and other transfer rumours

Manchester City reportedly hold a strong interest in re-signing Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old Brazilian was sold by the Blues in 2019 after failing to make too big a mark on the City first team. Since then, the central midfielder has bounced back amazingly in the West Midlands to become one of Unai Emery's most important players.

So far this campaign, Luiz has featured as a defensive midfielder as well in a slightly more advanced midfield role. This has resulted in the Villa man bagging six goals and putting himself back on the Blues' radar.

READ MORE: How national media reacted to City's draw with Liverpool

READ MORE: Ferdinand names City's biggest title threat

According to Football Insider, the Blues are interested in signing a central midfielder amid speculation Kalvin Phillips could be on the verge of leaving on loan or permanently. Luiz is reported to be on the shortlist of targets which also includes former Wolverhampton Wanderers man Ruben Neves.

Luiz is currently contracted to Villa until 2026 but Pep Guardiola's plan is to sign a central midfielder in the January window, it is claimed. Elsewhere, Football Insider adds Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a close eye on Southampton goalkeeper and former City man Gavin Bazunu.

The Saints' shot-stopper joined the South Coast club having failed to break through with the Blues. His performances in the Championship in recent weeks have been impressive and this has alerted the attention of Spurs.

However, City are believed to have a buy-back option on Bazunu and could decide to trigger it should the Irishman's form continue. With Ederson and Stefan Ortega both performing well, it currently seems unlikely the Blues will use that clause.

The Puma home shirt