By Wayne Veysey
Barcelona have stepped up their defender search by preparing a €29 million move for Chelsea's David Luiz according to Goal.com
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.
