Pundit expects 'record' transfer fee for Douglas Luiz after Aston Villa source's talks reveal
Douglas Luiz would fetch a "record" fee for a midfielder if Aston Villa were to sell.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Villa and Tottenham defender Alan Hutton suggested the Brazilian would break the club's fee for a midfielder, but not surpass Jack Grealish's £100million.
Luiz is having another excellent season with six goals in all competitions, including a brace against West Ham United in the Premier League.
As revealed by Football Insider (29 October), Villa are preparing to open contract talks with the 25-year-old amid continued interest from Arsenal.
Hutton claimed only a huge fee would convince Unai Emery's side to depart with Luiz, but admitted he is not shocked about other clubs "snooping" for the Aston Villa man.
"I think at this moment in time, with some of the market valuations, it would have to be over £50million," he told Football Insider.
"He's at a great age, he's been outstanding. He could probably play for most teams in the Premier League, with Manchester City being the strongest one.
"So there will obviously be people snooping about. He's got a great goal-scoring record at Villa Park, you see what he gives you in dead-ball situations - penalties, corners, free kicks.
"I think he ticks all the boxes. I think we're talking record fees here. Obviously, Jack Grealish's the highest and he's not going to reach that, but we're talking record numbers here for a midfielder.
"Hopefully he doesn't, he's a massive part of what Villa do moving forward, but it would have to be a big number."