Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa sent mixed message as fresh deal for midfielder emerges

Aston Villa fans have taken to social media to react to the club's latest negotiations over a new contract to keep Douglas Luiz at Villa Park for the foreseeable future.

Luiz joined Villa in 2019 in a deal worth around £15million from Manchester City. The Brazilian has since established a place in holding midfield, despite his preferred position being higher up the pitch.

The 23-year-old has recently been linked with a move away from the club, with reports suggesting Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur all held an interest in the player in January. Both London sides reportedly saw their £30million bid rejected with TransferMarkt valuing him at around £31.5m.

It is now understood that the club has opened talks over a new contract extension ahead of the summer transfer window. Here is what some fans had to say...

"Can't believe it's taking the club so long to sort this out."

"He's so talented. To his detriment as he is technical enough to play an 8, but also defensively aware enough to play a 6. None of our other midfielders can do the 6 as well as him, except nakamba. Oh, and he's still only 23."

"He loves it here from what I can see. His best days are ahead of him, he suits the players we go in."

"We need to keep him, he'll only get better I think."

"I'm not a fan of Luiz. We should try to replace with a better DCM."

"He's not good enough."

"Nice to see them negotiating with him, I want us to keep hold of him tbh."

"Great news quality player."

"Good."

"It's about damn time."

"Eh?"

"Anyone who Says no, Clearly knows nothing about him."

"Nope, don't like that."

"Don't bother."

"Unbelievable! Don't do it! Get a £35m offer in the summer from Arsenal and snap their hand off!"

"Nooooo."