Danny Mills has tipped Aston Villa to tie down midfielder Douglas Luiz to a long-term contract.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley, the former England and Leeds United defender suggested recent reports linking Luiz to Manchester City were “leaked” to given the Brazilian an upper hand in contract negotiations.
The Express & Star report Villa have turned their attention to securing the 23-year-old on a new deal after John McGinn signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract earlier this month.
Luiz moved to Villa Park from Manchester City in the summer of 2019 and the Daily Star reported last month Pep Guardiola is keen on a reunion.
The four-time Premier League champions retain a £25million buy-back clause for the defensive midfielder who has been earmarked as a replacement for Fernandinho, 35.
Asked by Football Insider whether handing Luiz a new contract could issue a hands-off warning to City, Mills said: “Yes, they obviously did that with Grealish. Obviously he has a much bigger affinity to the club.
