Aston Villa 'will be tempted' to allow Douglas Luiz to leave the club in the January transfer window, according to journalist Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Luiz almost leaves Villa

The Brazilian was continually linked with a move away from Villa Park throughout the summer, with Arsenal trying harder than anyone to snap him up.

Luiz ended up remaining at Villa past deadline day, however, and he is now knuckling down and performing solidly for Steven Gerrard's side.

The 24-year-old is into the final year of his current deal though, meaning he will be able to leave on a free transfer next summer if he isn't sold before then.

The Latest: January exit mooted

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Preece admitted that NSWE will be weighing up the idea of letting Luiz find a new club in January, in order to avoid losing him for nothing:

"Villa will be tempted to cash-in. He has been a bit of a decent servant for three years and it was a good deal with Manchester City.

"He was crucial in Villa staying up in Project Restart and he was their best player by far during that time.

"He’s been played out of position at times during his Villa career as well and done well, but now there is a big decision on Purslow’s shoulders. Will he be cashing-in come January? We’ll find out."

The Verdict: Mid-season risk?

There are positives and negatives to Villa selling Luiz in January and it would be decision that would only be able to be properly assessed next summer.

On the plus side, the club would earn money through the sale of the midfielder, but losing him midway through the season would undoubtedly weaken Gerrard's side, especially with injuries ravaging the spine of the team.

Luiz has been hailed as 'outstanding' by Gabby Agbonlahor and has been a strong servant - ultimately, the decision could lie with Christian Purslow and Gerrard, with fans likely to be divided.