Liverpool 'internally discuss' Douglas Luiz signing ahead of transfer deadline day

Liverpool are internally discussing a move for Douglas Luiz ahead of transfer deadline day, according to a report.

The Reds have overseen a complete rebuild of their midfield this summer, with five players having departed in that position.

Jordan Henderson and Fabinho both accepted lucrative moves to the Saudi Pro League this summer, while Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain left upon the expiry of their contracts.

And while Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo have come in as reinforcements, Liverpool still look short in midfield.

The Reds had hoped to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, agreeing on a fee with Brighton and Southampton respectively. However, both snubbed the Merseyside club, opting to sign for Chelsea instead.

Liverpool are looking to add further midfielders to their ranks before Friday’s deadline, with Aston Villa’s Luiz the latest player to have been linked.

Indeed, CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs claimed that the Reds have “discussed” making a move for the ex-Manchester City midfielder.

Jacobs told GiveMeSport: "Yeah, Douglas Luiz is a name that has been discussed internally by Liverpool. I'm not aware of any movement at this point.

“I think that it's crystal clear that Liverpool wants to add between now and the end of the window if the right name becomes available. I would still keep an eye on Ryan Gravenberch because that's a long-standing Liverpool target and the player is keen on the move.

"It's just a case of Bayern insisting they don't want to sell and we wait and see towards the end of the window whether anything changes there. I think from Liverpool's point of view as well, because they put that £111m down unsuccessfully for Moises Caicedo, they've sent a message out to the market that they've got big money to spend.

“That might mean that they have to pay above the odds if they do want a last-minute window target because there's the urgency there to get a deal done on Liverpool's part. Everyone now knows they've got the finances.

"That was very different originally when they were fighting over a Lavia fee, and making offers that were small increases around the low £40m's. But then obviously, as soon as they put down £111m for Moses Caicedo, the whole market is aware that they've got a big chunk of money that they are prepared to spend for the right target. So, let's wait and see whether Liverpool can get value on the midfielder that they're looking for between now and the end of the window."

Luiz is unlikely to be cheap, however, with three years still to run on his Villa contact. Elsewhere Liverpool have reportedly expressed an interest in the likes of Nice’s Khephren Thuram, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure.