Douglas Luiz: Aston Villa tipped to sell midfielder on one condition after source's reveal - pundit
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Aston Villa may sell Douglas Luiz if they sign a new defensive midfielder in the summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa's record Premier League goalscorer claimed Luiz needs to be a better tackler if he wants to be Steven Gerrard's long-term defensive midfielder.
A club source has told Football Insider on Thursday (3 February) that they rejected a £30million bid in January for the Brazil international and will listen to offers around the £35m mark in the summer.
He is out of contract at Villa Park at the end of next season after signing a four-year deal when he moved from Man City in the summer of 2019.
"I actually really like him," Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
"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 Aston Villa can get Yves Bissouma in the summer they might decide to sell Douglas Luiz in the summer.
"You don't know where Steven Gerrard's mind is at yet with Douglas Luiz.
"Maybe he's got 17 or 18 games now to show Steven Gerrard why he should be given a new contract and kept at the club.
"He's a qualtiy player, a Brazil international. But when you play that defensive midfield role you have to be better at tackling."
Luiz has provided three assists in 17 Premier League games this season.
After missing Steven Gerrard's first game against Brighton, the 23-year-old has featured in every other game under the new manager.