Everton are pushing hard to strengthen their squad this summer after a poor late-season run cost them a place in European football.
David Moyes has already moved quickly in the transfer market, securing the signature of central midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough following his boyhood club’s Championship play-off final defeat to Hull City.
Winger Tyrique George has also joined the Toffees, having seemingly impressed Moyes during a loan spell at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last season.
Despite those additions, Everton remain keen on recruiting further midfield reinforcements as they build towards the new Premier League campaign.
Talks have reportedly been held over a deal for Parma midfielder Mandela Keita, as the club continues to explore multiple options in that area of the pitch.
Everton have now also made contact to sign former Aston Villa man Douglas Luiz from Juventus, according to a report from Calciomercato via Sport Witness.
Juventus are open to a sale of the Brazilian, having loaned him out to both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa during the previous season.
The 28-year-old is said to be ready to prove himself at Juventus, but the Italian club’s willingness to listen to offers makes a move to Merseyside a realistic proposition.
Back in March, Juventus were reportedly demanding around £22m for Luiz, though a loan arrangement could also be on the table given the circumstances of his last campaign.
Luiz boasts considerable Premier League pedigree, having made 196 appearances in the competition and accumulated 21 goals and 18 assists across those outings.
During his loan stint at Aston Villa last season, he averaged 1.5 interceptions per 90 minutes in the Premier League, the highest figure of any player in the squad.
He also averaged 57.3 accurate passes per 90 minutes during that period, a figure that ranked second among Villa’s players, highlighting his quality in possession.
Former Villa boss Unai Emery was clearly a firm admirer of the midfielder, saying during the 2023-24 campaign: “Douglas is playing very good and his commitment is amazing.”
The need for midfield cover at Goodison Park is underscored by the contract situation surrounding Idrissa Gueye, with the Senegal international’s deal having come to an end.
Even if Gueye extends his stay on Merseyside, the experienced midfielder is now 36 years old, meaning a long-term successor will need to be identified sooner rather than later.
Luiz, as an 18-cap Brazil international comfortable operating in a deeper midfield role, fits the profile of a natural replacement for the outgoing Senegalese star.
Hackney, meanwhile, is yet to test himself at Premier League level, which means Everton could benefit greatly from adding a more experienced figure alongside him in the engine room.