Manchester City have reportedly decided whether to make an approach for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz during the January transfer window.
Pep Guardiola is currently enduring the worst run of his professional career with City having suffered four successive Premier League defeats and lost six of their most recent seven fixtures in all competitions.
Although the slump can be attributed to injuries in several areas of the pitch, losing Rodri to a serious knee injury in September has proven decisive.
While City have several different options in the engine room, it is highly likely that Guardiola will attempt to sign at least one fresh face for his midfield at the midway point of the campaign.
A wide array of alternatives have been suggested with Torino's Samuele Ricci among those who could be realistically targeted by the Spaniard.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on November 5, 2024© Imago
What is Man City's stance on Luiz?
Another player who may become available for transfer in January is Luiz, a player who has previously been contracted to Man City and has struggled to make an impact in Italy.
The Brazil international has barely been used by the Italian giants since moving from Aston Villa in a deal alleged to be in the region of £42.5m during the summer.
Nevertheless, as per Football Insider, City are currently not interested in making an attempt to bring Luiz back to the Premier League and the Etihad Stadium.
Despite being with City between 2017 and 2019, Luiz did not make a single senior appearance, instead spending consecutive loan stints at Girona.
Luiz - now 26 years of age - was then sold to Villa where he came a club legend, but Juventus are yet to see the best of the player since his arrival in June.
Juventus head coach Thiago Motta in August 2024.© Imago
Can Luiz make Juventus impact?
As it stands, Luiz has been restricted to two starts and seven substitute appearances in all competitions, not helped by a period out through a hamstring injury.
His last outing came all the way back on October 19, but there is hope that he will be able to feature in the squad at the weekend.
With Juventus currently enduring an injury crisis, there is little prospect of Luiz departing Turin unless a club is prepared to pay at least the £42.5m that the Serie A side paid earlier this year.
Furthermore, Luiz can expect to be handed minutes as soon as possible, particularly when eight of Juve's 14 league matches have ended in draws.
Although City have money in the bank to pay shell out such a fee, it appears highly likely that they would move for other targets.
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