Barcelona prepare €29m bid for Chelsea's David Luiz

The Brazil international is the
Spanish champions' primary centre-
back target, while Jose Mourinho is
unconvinced about the 26-year-
old's defensive capabilities
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey
Barcelona have stepped up their defender
search by preparing a €29 million move
for Chelsea's David Luiz, Goal
understands.
The Catalan giants are readying a bid for
the Brazilian after making him their
primary centre-back target.
It is believed that Barca have enquired
about Luiz's availability and have been
given encouragement that Chelsea could
be willing to sell the 26-year-old.
The Spanish champions, who have been
rebuffed in their attempts to sign the
Brazil international in the past, are
putting together a lucrative package to
entice the Brazilian to Camp Nou and
informal discussions have already started
with his representatives.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is
unconvinced about Luiz's defensive
abilities and is ready to cash in on the
defender and sign a new centre-half, with
Doria, an 18-year-old Brazilian who plays
for Botafogo, among those on his target
list.
Barca want to reinforce their back four by
signing a left-sided centre-back to provide
competition to Carles Puyol, 35, after
releasing Eric Abidal.
The Spanish club targeted Thiago Silva and
Arsenal pair Laurent Koscielny and
Thomas Vermaelen earlier in the summer,
and also offered €20m to Roma for
Marquinhos before being trumped to his
signature by Paris Saint-Germain.
Barca have now turned their attention to
landing Luiz, who has developed into a
fans' favourite at Stamford Bridge since
moving from Benfica in January 2011.
The player was a regular first choice under
Rafael Benitez last season and was
frequently picked ahead of club captain
John Terry.
However, new boss Mourinho has
misgivings about Luiz's defensive aptitude
and wants to use the money from selling
him to buy a replacement.