Douglas Luiz: Aston Villa have ‘finances in place’ for new deal after journalist’s update – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Aston Villa “have the finances available” to hand Douglas Luiz a lucrative new contract.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Villans need to tie the 23-year-old down to ensure they have the necessary squad depth.
As reported by the Athletic’s David Ornstein on Monday (31 January), Villa want to open contract talks with Douglas Luiz after rejecting three bids during the winter window.
The Telegraph claimed last week (27 January) the Villans turned down a £30million offer and were preparing themselves for a £35million bid to be tabled.
Whelan insisted Luiz has shown the “performances and consistency” to warrant a new and improved deal.
He admitted the Brazilian is already an important member of the squad.
“Look, it’s all about performances and consistency. That’s when you earn the amount of money that you might be getting on a new contract.
“If you’re not playing regularly, then you don’t really have a leg to stand on.
“Douglas Luiz, 18 months, he has been consistently in the side and put in some great performances.
“They’ve got money, they’ve got all the finances in place and he’s been a player for them that has played continuously.
“If you’re going to be a top club playing at the top end of the league, you’ve got to have the squad that can handle that.”
Luiz has played 94 times across all competitions for Villa since joining in 2019.
He also has nine Brazil caps and an Olympic gold medal under his belt.
In other news, a pundit has cited Ings in a ‘brilliant’ Aston Villa transfer verdict as another ‘great’ signing completed.