Pundit sets Aston Villa transfer deadline for huge Steven Gerrard decision

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor reckons Douglas Luiz has the rest of the season to convince Steven Gerrard that he is a part of his team for the long-term.

Douglas has been the subject of intense transfer speculation from last summer through to the January window with AS Roma, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur all said to be interested in the Brazilian.

The 23 year-old has been a key player for Gerrard this season, more so since the injury to Marvelous Nakamba in December that ruled the defensive midfielder out until April.

Villa retain an interest in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma and are expected to move for the Mali international in the summer and the arrival of Calum Chambers, who can play in midfield, and return to fitness of Morgan Sanson has given Gerrard more options in the middle of the pitch.

Douglas is entering into the final year of his contract in the summer and it could be the last window Villa can get a fee for the player given he will be able to negotiate a free transfer in January next year with an overseas club as things stand.

Agbonlahor reckons Douglas could be sold in the summer to raise funds and free up a space for Bissouma.

"I actually really like him," Agbonlahor told the website Football Insider.

"He starts attacks off really well. Maybe the only question is, does he tackle as well as you need too in a defensive midfielder role.

"With Nakamba out injured you need him in there and he’s very important at the moment.

"But you don’t know what the future holds, if Villa can get Bissouma in the summer they might decide to sell Douglas in the summer.

"You don't know where Gerrard's mind is at yet with Douglas.

"Maybe he's got 17 or 18 games now to show Steven