Steven Gerrard keen to keep Douglas Luiz at Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has stated that he is keen to retain the services of in-demand midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The Brazilian was linked with a move away in the summer, with Arsenal believed to have had two bids rejected on deadline day.

While no transfer materialised, Luiz could leave the club for free when his contract expires next summer despite the Villans' best efforts to extend his current deal.

Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting with Leeds United, Gerrard has revealed no progress has been made in contract negotiations.

The Villa manager said: "No news in terms of him extending his stay here, so that situation hasn't changed. But what I would say is he is very focused, he has trained well."

Despite failing to sign Luiz in the recent transfer window, a recent report stated Arsenal are still interested in the midfielder, and while Gerrard expects such speculation to continue, he is keen for the 24-year-old to remain with the club.

Gerrard added: "Am I surprised by the speculation? No, because we have got a young Brazilian player who is a fantastic talent. I expect to be asked this question a lot as the season progresses.

"We want him to stay here. I think the owners were very strong in keeping him here. We didn't want to lose him on the final day and he's performed very well since."

Luiz is expected to be involved in the matchday squad for Sunday's contest as Villa attempt to claim consecutive victories.