Manchester City consider re-signing Aston Villa star as Kalvin Phillips loan fee set

Manchester City are considering re-signing Aston Villa anchorman Douglas Luiz, according to reports.

Pep Guardiola forced Etihad chiefs to stump up £12million for a relative unknown in 2017 when Luiz arrived at City. He was plying his trade at Vasco da Gama in his native Brazil before making the switch to England.

However, due to visa issues, he was unable to make a senior appearance and spent his two years at City out on loan. Ironically, once his UK visa was approved, Luiz was sold to Villa where he is now an established Premier League star.

The now 25-year-old is thriving under Unai Emery and regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the division. Reports are now suggesting City will swoop to sign Luiz - contracted until 2026 - for a second time.

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In other news, our sister outlet ChronicleLive understand Man City will demand a £7.5million loan fee from Newcastle United for Kalvin Phillips. Guardiola is expected to let the England international leave next month.

A hefty fee for just six months of availability could repel potential suitors but City are also exploring how to get the 28-year-old off the books permanently. The report suggests City want £40million, just £5million less than what they paid Leeds United 18 months ago.

Phillips has started just two Premier League games since arriving at the Etihad in July 2022 and there are concerns he may miss out on the England squad for Euro 2024. Newcastle are said to be one of just several top-flight clubs expressing interest in the midfielder.