Manchester City are reportedly looking to trigger their £25m buyback option for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
Luiz was contracted to City between 2017 and 2019, but the Brazil international was denied a work permit during his time at the Etihad and ultimately spent two years out on loan at Girona.
Following Luiz's arrival at Villa last summer, the 22-year-old played a key role in helping Dean Smith's side stave off relegation from the Premier League, registering three goals and two assists from 36 appearances in the English top flight.
Now, Globo Esporte reports that Pep Guardiola has been tracking Luiz's progress over the season and has been impressed by how the former City man has developed at Villa Park.
The report claims that the Citizens are poised to trigger their £25m buyback clause for the South American as they look to reshuffle their squad ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.
Luiz still has just under three years left to run on his current deal with Villa.
Ben Knapton
