Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz unveils relationship with women's star Alisha Lehmann

It has been revealed that Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is in a relationship with women's team star Alisha Lehmann.

The latter, who also plays for Villa, was formerly in a relationship with ex-Chelsea ladies striker Ramona Bachmann but the pair split earlier this year.

Rumours circulated that Luiz and Bachmann may have been dating in recent weeks and the pair have obviously decided to put an end to the uncertainty with a social media snap.

Villa winger Bachmann, who is without a goal or an assist in six Women's Super League appearances so far this season, shared a boomerang on her Instagram story of her and Luiz sharing a kiss to her five million followers.

Luiz then reposted the short but sweet clip to his own story with the simple caption of: "Princess."

Of course, admiring Villa fans were sent into a frenzy over the posts and took to Twitter to share their excitement.

One fan wrote: "Douglas Luiz & Alisha Lehmann, OMG!"

Whilst another said: "Douglas Luiz and Alisha Lehmann are the cutest couple of recent. Both Villa players for a reason."

However, some Villa fans will be hoping that Luiz' love life doesn't distract him from helping the men's side bounce back to form.

The Villa Park outfit have lost their last five Premier League games which led to the sacking of Dean Smith, who struggled to find the right balance in his side after the departure of Jack Grealish to Manchester City.

Luiz has been unavailable since Villa's 3-1 loss to Arsenal in late October, picking up a hamstring issue that has kept him sidelined and also meant that he has been unavailable for Brazil's recent World Cup qualifier games.

Soon after the sacking of Smith, the club appointed Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as their manager in the hope that the former Rangers boss could guide the club away from safety and then on to bigger and better things.

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Gerrard is expected to implement a 4-3-3 formation at Villa, similar to that of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side, so Luiz is expected to play a major role as a holding midfielder in the system.

Speaking to the Villa club site after his appointment, Gerrard said: "Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am immensely proud to become its new Head Coach.

"In my conversations with Nassef, Wes and the rest of the Board, it was apparent how ambitious their plans are for the club and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everybody associated with Glasgow Rangers for giving me the opportunity to manage such an iconic football club.

"Helping them secure a record-breaking 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart. I would like to wish the players, staff and supporters the very best for the future."

Gerrard's first take of his reign is against Brighton and Hove Albion at home, who are looking to continue their great start to the season and try and squeeze back into the top six.