Rumour: Barcelona eye Chelsea defender David Luiz

Chelsea’s David Luiz

Barcelona have made Chelsea defender David Luiz their number one defensive target as they look to bolster their back-line, The Metro report.

The Spanish giants are looking for reinforcements in the back, with Carles Puyol nearing the end of his career and Javier Mascherano far more comfortable in the midfield, so have made Luiz their priority target.

The Brazilian has endured a mixed season since Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge, finding himself in and out of the team, with John Terry and Gary Cahill the preferred partnership in the centre of defence.

While he has enjoyed a resurgence as a holding midfielder of late, it is thought that Luiz is keen on a move to somewhere where his abilities as a defender will be more appreciated.

With Tata Martino hoping to get a defensive unit in place for next season, he has asked the Barcelona board to set aside £30 million to bring Luiz to Camp Nou.

Luiz joined Chelsea three years ago in a deal worth £21m, and has also been linked with moves to Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

There are reasons Luiz has not been the preferred choice of Mourinho at the back this season, as in his ten league appearances, the Brazilian has only won 29% of his tackles.