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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to The Telegraph, Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Manchester City's Douglas Luiz.

What's the word?

Aston Villa have made some significant moves in the transfer window already, adding Wesley and Tyrone Mings to their ranks for combined fees of £42m.

They've shown no signs of lacking funds in the market after bringing in no fewer than seven new bodies.

Following the release of eight players plus Ross McCormack, it appears the Villans are doing their best to add plenty of squad depth.

And their latest arrival could be Douglas, per The Telegraph.

They claim that they are close to signing the Brazilian for a fee of £15m. The report understands that City have also included a buyback clause in the deal.

The midfielder previously had work permit issues meaning he had to move to Spain to play for Girona on loan, yet that will apparently cause no problems in Villa's pursuit.

Hourihane should feel threatened

Dean Smith's midfield was easily one of the best in the Championship last season with Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Conor Hourihane all hitting double figures in terms of goal involvements.

Grealish and McGinn were the real stars of the Villa side, though, and as a result, are unlikely to be dislodged going into the new campaign.

However, Villa have been in the market for a defensive midfielder, targeting the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Marvelous Nakamba, Baptiste Santamaria and now Douglas.

With that in mind, Hourihane's place in the team would be in considerable danger, particularly if the Brazil youth international arrived.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a productive term in La Liga throughout 2018/19, featuring as a central midfielder, as well as playing in a holding role, two positions the Irishman also played in.

As such, there is a case to be made that their potential new £15m arrival would dislodge him.

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In terms of the number of tackles per game each player made, they were extremely similar. Douglas ended the campaign with 1.5 per outing whilst Hourihane's stood at 1.4.

The latter was involved in more goals than the City man who contributed none for Girona. But that shouldn't come as a negative.

In the Premier League, Villa are likely to need a more disciplined player who is prepared to sit in rather than rampage forward.

Douglas, therefore, could be their answer.