Aston Villa boss Dean Smith expects to keep hold of Douglas Luiz next season.

The Express & Star says Manchester City must decide this month whether to trigger a clause allowing them to buy back the Brazil international for a fee of around £27.5million.

But it is currently considered unlikely, with Luiz remaining very much part of Villa boss Dean Smith's planning for next season.

The 23-year-old joined Villa for £15m two summers ago having never made an appearance in two years at City after failing to obtain a work permit following a 2017 switch from Vasco De Gama. A buyback option, which finally expires this month, was included in the deal.