Newcastle told to sign ‘proven’ Douglas Luiz

Isaac Hayden left Newcastle United to join Norwich City on a season-long loan, but Eddie Howe isn’t short of midfielders in his absence – the Magpies boss still has Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton on the books.

But with Willock being inconsistent this season, Joelinton successful reverting to attack and Guimaraes being more effective in an advanced role, Newcastle could do with an addition to engine room.

Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz may be available this summer as his contract is up in 2023 and he’s yet to sign a new deal, so the Midlands outfit may have to cash in early rather than lose him for nothing. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to AS Roma but may consider the Newcastle project attractive as they finished above Villa this season and are building for further success.

Kevin Campbell believes he’d be a good signing, telling Football Insider: “I like Douglas Luiz. He is a strong player and is somebody who is young but Premier League proven. Newcastle are looking to be that team who step up and challenge for European spots etc.

“Douglas Luis is a player who could really go up there and excel. He is one of those guys who is a seven out of 10 every week. He’d be a great option alongside Guimaraes.” The Brazilian international joined Villa on a four-year deal from Manchester City and has gone on to make 111 appearances across the board, scoring   five goals with eight assists.

Luiz wasn’t at his best for Villa this campaign and isn’t committing his future beyond next year, so Newcastle might have a good chance to sign him. The Magpies had him on their radar in January, so will they return this summer?

In other news, Paddy Kenny names which Newcastle players are ‘great