Aston Villa are ready to reject the Brazilian Football Association’s move to call up £15 million midfielder Douglas Luiz for international duty next year.

Douglas has been named in the Brazil under-23s squad for the 2020 pre-Olympic tournament and could miss up to five crucial games for Villa if he joins up with the team.

The tournament in Colombia runs from January 18 to February 19, which means Douglas would be absent for Premier League matches against Brighton, Watford, Bournemouth and Tottenham, plus the second leg of the Carabao Cup at home to Leicester, if Brazil reach the final.

But Villa will insist that the former Manchester City player stays at the club, as Dean Smith needs every member of his squad available in his bid to secure league survival. Douglas has made 18 appearances since joining from City in July this year, scoring two goals, and it is understood Villa were aware of the tournament when he signed.

The 21-year-old is expected to feature for Brazil at the summer Olympics in Tokyo. Villa, meanwhile, are confident of avoiding any breaches of financial regulations and insist they will not be forced into selling any players if they survive this season.