Liverpool may have an “ace up their sleeve” in their attempts to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Italian website claims that the Reds could pursue the Brazilian when the January transfer window opens, along with the likes of Roma, AC Milan and Juventus.

In order to beat the competition to Luiz’s signature, though, it is believed that they could offer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a swap deal.

Both players will have six months left on their contracts in the New Year and, with Villa boss Steven Gerrard said to be a fan of the England international, it is an exchange that could be considered.

Arsenal made three bids for Luiz on deadline day at the start of the month, with their last offer reported to be worth in the region of £25m. It is not known whether they will revive their interest in January or allow Liverpool a free run to secure his services.