Manchester City pondering Douglas Luiz reunion amid midfield malaise | OneFootball

Manchester City have lined up Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz as a potential target if they choose to bolster their options in the centre of the pitch in January, according to The Athletic.

City have been active in the transfer window as they close in on the additions of Adbukodir Khusanov, Victor Reis and Omar Marmoush from Lens, Palmeiras and Eintracht Frankfurt, respectively.

They could pursue midfield acquisitions if they elect to conduct further business before the close of the current transfer window.

Having lost reigning Ballon d’Or holder Rodri to an anterior cruciate ligament injury earlier this season, City’s form has dwindled as they trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by 15 points.

As a result, their unusually high level of winter transfer activity this January is largely unsurprising.

The reigning champions are exploring a reunion with Douglas Luiz, who left the Etihad Stadium in 2019 to join Aston Villa.

Luiz’s time in Turin has not gone to plan. He has struggled for form and fitness and has lost his place in Thiago Motta’s starting XI.

The 26-year-old has started just one of I Bianconeri’s last 19 games across all competitions after suffering multiple injury problems.

Juventus would ideally like a permanent sale or a loan with an obligation to buy, but City only prefer a dry loan, meaning one of the clubs will need to change their stance if a deal for Luiz is to be struck.

The two clubs have reportedly been in contact over a move for Andrea Cambiasso, although a deal is not expected to materialise before the February 3 deadline.