Aston Villa are making inquiries about a £50m Everton ace as a replacement for Douglas Luiz

Aston Villa have made an inquiry into signing Everton midfielder Amadou Onana this summer, according to reports.

Unai Emery has been eyed for a move to Brazilian club Douglas Luiz, with both Juventus and Barcelona pushing hard for his signature.

Luiz's departure will leave a gap in Villa's midfield. The 26-year-old joined the Lions in 2019 and has made 204 appearances in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists.

Luiz was first among Aston Villa players in the 2023/24 Premier League in a number of key metrics, including chances created, passes attempted/completed, last third passes attempted/completed, balls completed and possessions won in the defensive third.

The former Manchester City man's form has been instrumental in helping Emery guide Villa to fourth place in the Premier League, securing Champions League football in 2024/25.

But with Villa reportedly facing a battle to remain compliant with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), they may have no choice but to sell.

Onana to replace Luiz at Villa Park?

According to The Times, Villa have made contact with Everton over a move for Onana to replace the outgoing Luiz.

The Toffees are currently battling to keep England defender Jarrad Branthwaite at Goodison Park with Manchester United making him their top summer target.

And the hope is that selling Onana will give them the financial leverage to reject United's bid for Branthwaite. Everton, of course, are in a more difficult position than Villa when it comes to PSR and were held to eight points last season.

Everton paid £34m for Onana two years ago and according to The Times, they are keen to make a profit on the Belgium international and will demand £50m.

The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with Onana, but it seems Villa's need for the Lille midfielder is huge.