European giants Atletico Madrid hold an interest in Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz as they search for midfield reinforcements in the January transfer window, according to reports in Spain.

The Brazilian has been one of the standout players for Villa since the appointment of Unai Emery last season. He has featured in every game in all competitions so far this campaign, scoring four goals.

Luiz joined the club from Manchester City in 2019, after spending two years at the Etihad Stadium. Villa saw off interest from Arsenal in the midfielder in the 2022 transfer window, with him signing a new deal at Villa Park.

Arsenal continue to be linked with an interest in the 25-year-old, but as well as coming up against resistance from Villa, may now also face competition from Atletico. According to Fichajes, Diego Simeone has set his 'sights' on a move for Luiz and the club's interest in the midfielder is 'stronger than ever'.

The report does though add that persuading Villa to part ways with the player will 'not be an easy task', with the report quoting an estimated value of EUR55 million (PS47.9m).

Atletico are described as the 'main candidate to acquire his services', but the potential price would mean that the club would have to sell players in order to fund a move. Rodrigo De Paul has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with some reports saying that Atletico were looking for a fee of EUR80-90m in the summer window.

Luiz has just over two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract which runs until 2026.

How impressive has Luiz been this season? Tell us in the comments section