Douglas Luiz remains in limbo at Manchester City.

While rated highly by City boss Pep Guardiola, Luiz has spent the past season away on-loan due to work permit problems.

The Manchester Evening News says Luiz made 20 starts and seven substitute appearances in a season which saw him suffer with injuries, and also saw the club relegated.

He has been in competition with fellow City loanee Aleix Garcia, but his problem is that until he can break into the Brazil squad, he is not going to get a work permit.

And until he gets a work permit, and plays for City – with coaching from Guardiola and his assistants - he is not likely to break into the Brazil squad.

Luiz enhanced his chances with some good displays for the Brazil under-23 team, who beat Japan on penalties in the Toulon final, and he claims that he has improved greatly this season.