Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Manchester City midfielder Douglas Luiz is poised to join Aston Villa after the two clubs agreed a £15m deal.
The Brazil Under-23 international, who was named the best player at this summer’s Toulon Tournament, is set to become Dean Smith’s eighth signing of the summer.
Pep Guardiola wanted Luiz to provide cover for his compatriot Fernandinho last season, but the youngster failed to obtain a work permit.
Luiz instead spent a second successive year on loan at Girona, making 29 appearances before their relegation from La Liga.
Villa are confident of avoiding the work permit issues which have prevented Luiz from making a single competitive appearance during his time at the Etihad.
Show all 11 1 /11How could Manchester City line up this season? How could Manchester City line up this season? Ederson Arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. Ederson’s prowess with the ball at his feet is so well-documented, his other attributes can be overlooked. Relied upon to produce big saves despite long periods of inactivity.
Getty Images
How could Manchester City line up this season? Joao Cancelo Expected to join from Juventus and provide competition for Kyle Walker. An attacking, aggressive full-back, Cancelo is precisely what Guardiola looks for in one of his key positions.
Getty Images
How could Manchester City line up this season? Fernandinho Following Vincent Kompany's departure and no new centre-half signing, Fernandinho may be relied upon in a more reserved role, right at the heart of City's defence rather than their midfield.
Getty Images
How could Manchester City line up this season? Aymeric Laporte Emerged as City’s undisputed first-choice centre-half in his first full season at the Etihad and widely considered the best in the league behind Virgil van Dijk. His ability to move across to left-back when Guardiola requires more protection is a useful asset.
Getty Images
How could Manchester City line up this season? Oleksandr Zinchenko The surprise success story of last year. Guardiola was delighted with Zinchenko’s attitude and application as a makeshift left-back. The Ukrainian rarely, if ever, let City down. While Benjamin Mendy has much to prove, Zinchenko is now an established starter.
Getty Images
How could Manchester City line up this season? Rodri The long-awaited successor to Fernandinho has finally arrived. Rodri brings with him an ability to read the game and dictate play from deep. Often compared to Sergio Busquets, he is a holding midfielder in Guardiola’s own image.
Getty Images
How could Manchester City line up this season? Bernardo Silva City’s player of the season in his sophomore year. Stepped out of the shadows and seemed to have telling impact in almost every game he played. Has definitively moved ahead of namesake David in the pecking order.
Getty Images
How could Manchester City line up this season? Kevin De Bruyne Last year was a frustrating one for De Bruyne, with injury after injury limiting his number of appearances. Fortunately, those knee and muscular problems are not expected to haunt him and this coming season could see a return to form.
Getty Images
How could Manchester City line up this season? Raheem Sterling Commended for his performances on the pitch and the public stances he has taken off it, Sterling has never been more important to City. Perhaps the biggest single beneficiary of Guardiola’s coaching.
Getty Images
How could Manchester City line up this season? Sergio Aguero A convert to Guardiola’s methods, Aguero has become a more complete player without losing any of his scoring capacity. Last season was one of his finest, and there is no reason why he should not maintain that high standard this year.
Getty Images
How could Manchester City line up this season? Leroy Sane Entering his fourth season in English football and has dazzled when at his very best, but still not holding down a regular starting place. Bayern Munich’s interest is real and Sané could yet leave.
Getty Images
Luiz will join fellow new signings Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa at Villa Park, as the newly-promoted side build a squad ready for the Premier League .
Villa have also added striker Wesley, defenders Matt Targett and Kortney Hause, winger Anwar El Ghazi and midfielder Jota to their ranks this summer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies