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

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.