Real Madrid and Barcelona are considering a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz.
The Brazilian could become an early casualty of incoming boss Jose Mourinho who has concerns about the 26-year-old's defensive abilities.
Luiz cost Chelsea £21million and they will look to make a profit on their 2011 outlay should the interest turn into hardened bids.
Mourinho wants a new
centre-back, a defensive midfielder and at least one striker for his
return to Stamford Bridge. Luiz has re-invented himself as a defensive
midfielder under Rafa Benitez but remains prone to errors when in
defence.
Chelsea have shown interest in Liverpool target Krygiakos Papadopoulos of Schalke but considered the 21-year-old too expensive. Mourinho is a big fan of Real Madrid's Raphael Varane also but that would prove complicated considering the politics behind Mourinho's departure from the Bernabeu.
Yet, they are intent on improving their defensive options with Branislav Ivanovic also likely to revert to right-back.
Madrid will overhaul Mourinho's squad
for Carlo Ancelotti. They would rather sell defender Pepe than Varane
with Manchester City being offered the chance to sign the Portugal
international for £20m.
For their part, Barcelona are struggling to find a centre-back that fits their budget and will be looking to strike a deal for around £25m. Luiz has been on their list for some time but not at the top.
They wanted Thiago Silva from
Paris St Germain but he is too expensive while Manchester City are
reluctant to sell Vincent Kompany. Barca have also considered Roma's
teenage defender Marquinhos but he may yet stay another season in Italy.
Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen could yet come back into their reckoning but his indifferent end of season form means Luiz is preferred.
The Brazilian could become an early casualty of incoming boss Jose Mourinho who has concerns about the 26-year-old's defensive abilities.
Luiz cost Chelsea £21million and they will look to make a profit on their 2011 outlay should the interest turn into hardened bids.
Character: Chelsea defender David Luiz signed for £21m from Benfica
Star: Luiz was an integral part to Chelsea' Europa League triumph
Chelsea have shown interest in Liverpool target Krygiakos Papadopoulos of Schalke but considered the 21-year-old too expensive. Mourinho is a big fan of Real Madrid's Raphael Varane also but that would prove complicated considering the politics behind Mourinho's departure from the Bernabeu.
Yet, they are intent on improving their defensive options with Branislav Ivanovic also likely to revert to right-back.
Talent: Madrid's Raphael Varane (heading) has left a significant impact on Mourinho
Clean sheets: Jose Mourinho's first job at Chelsea would be to strengthen their defence
For their part, Barcelona are struggling to find a centre-back that fits their budget and will be looking to strike a deal for around £25m. Luiz has been on their list for some time but not at the top.
Tough: Mourinho will have to decide on the futures of John Terry and Frank Lampard during next season
Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen could yet come back into their reckoning but his indifferent end of season form means Luiz is preferred.
Off limits: Vincent Kompany and Thiago Silva may both be unavailable
Scouted: But Arsenal sub Thomas Vermaelen is being watched by Chelsea
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