Liverpool are “interested” in signing Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to reports in Italy.

The former Aston Villa player missed training earlier this week, with it being suggested that he is keen on returning to the Premier League after just one season in Serie A.

Gazzetta Dello Sport claim the Reds, Everton and West Ham are the three English clubs most likely to make an offer for Luiz.

The Brazilian has struggled to hold down a first-team place at Juve, despite the Bianconeri paying €50m for the player last year.

After missing training, Luiz’s relationship with his club is believed to have broken down completely and he is expected to be offloaded at the first opportunity.

Juventus have been trying to get rid of the player

Luiz’s unhappiness is understandable considering he has been offered to pretty much every club under the sun in recent months.

At the start of July, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Luiz was offered to Manchester United as part of a swap deal for Jadon Sancho.

Gazzetta now report that the Italian side are looking to get €40m (£35m) in order to avoid making a capital loss.

Are Liverpool in the market for a midfielder?

On the face of it, the Reds are pretty well-stocked in the middle of the park, although head coach Arne Slot could do with cover for Ryan Gravenberch. The manager would not be happy with relying on Wataru Endo for a lengthy period of time if the Dutch midfielder gets injured.

A lot may depend on what type of deal Juventus would accept. There are suggestions that they would be open to a loan with an obligation to buy. Even so, £35m would be a lot to spend on a squad player.

In other news, Jermaine Pennant claims Liverpool have signed a player who is “like Eden Hazard”