Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has claimed that conversations with Douglas Luiz are ‘ongoing’ over a new contract.

The Lowdown: Luiz linked with Villa exit

The 24-year-old, who has been labelled an "important" player for Villa by his one-time Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, has been heavily linked with an exit from Villa Park over the last 12 months.

The Brazilian was reportedly ready to push for a move away earlier in the summer, although it looks as if there has been a U-turn regarding his future.

Football Insider said that talks were at an advanced stage to extend his deal beyond 2023 after Villa failed to land their top two midfield targets.

The Latest: Preece’s comments

Preece was asked by one Villa fan in a Birmingham Live Q&A how close Luiz is to signing fresh terms in the Midlands following recent reports.

He said that talks are ‘ongoing’ between Villa and Luiz and that Steven Gerrard wants the midfielder to stay in the Midlands, with the journalist stating:

“Dougie, again, conversations ongoing. Gerrard wants him to stay.”

The Verdict: Good call

Luiz has been a regular over the last three seasons in the Premier League, missing just 11 of 114 top-flight fixtures under Dean Smith and now Gerrard, making it easy to see why Guardiola called him an "important" presence at Villa Park.

Furthermore, only three Villa players who started more than half of their league games in 2021/22 accrued a higher WhoScored rating, so the Brazilian can certainly be deemed a crucial cog in the machine.

It appeared to be make-or-break for the 24-year-old this summer, but with Boubacar Kamara the only midfield addition so far at the Midlands club, it makes sense to extend his contract.

If he were to depart, that would leave Gerrard with just two holding midfield options - one of whom is Marvelous Nakamba, who suffered a serious injury last season - so keeping Luiz appears to be the right call, and hopefully a new deal will be signed soon.