Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has questioned whether Douglas Luiz would want to leave Juventus after just half a season.
Luiz's five-year spell in the West Midlands came to an end earlier this year when he departed for Turin in a £42.35m deal.
While the Brazil international was seemingly keen to take on a new challenge, the transfer was decisive in ensuring that Villa complied with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.
Nevertheless, a legendary stint was concluded with Luiz having contributed 22 goals and 24 assists from his 204 appearances in all competitions.
Juventus would have hoped that he would make the seamless transition into life in Serie A, only for the 26-year-old to make just two starts and seven substitute outings in all competitions without directly contributing to a goal.
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Emery comments on Luiz speculation
In recent days, it has been suggested that Manchester United would be open to negotiating a swap deal involving Luiz and out-of-form attacker Joshua Zirkzee.
If Luiz does come onto the market, Villa's name would likely get mentioned given the role that he played in helping Villa qualify for the Champions League.
That said, speaking to reporters at a press conference ahead of Villa and Juventus meeting on Wednesday night, Emery questioned whether Luiz would be prepared to give up on the Italian side after just half a season.
The Spaniard said: "He must be happy there. He must get the challenge there with his quality.
"I am not thinking that he will want to leave there but I don't know. I think now is that he is injured and he won't be here tomorrow."
Luiz has been absent from Juventus' last seven squads due to injury and has not travelled with the rest of the group.
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Motta still to be convinced?
Prior to his spell on the sidelines, Luiz had completed 90 minutes for Juventus for the first time as they recorded a 1-0 win over Lazio.
That could have been the springboard for regular appearances but Luiz instead faces a fight to convince Thiago Motta of his qualities upon his return.
Juventus remain unbeaten in Serie A this season, albeit having only recorded two wins and three draws since Luiz has been unavailable.
Darren Plant
