Barcelona prepare £25m bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz.

Barcelona hope to take advantage of Jose Mourinho’s uncertainty over David Luiz’s defensive ability by launching a 25 million pound bid for the Chelsea man.

The Brazil international is a fans favourite and enjoyed an impressive season last term, but is still prone to defensive howlers. Former Blues boss Rafa Benitez toyed with using Luiz as a midfielder to keep him out of harm’s way.

The jury is still out as far as Mourinho is concerned and, with a bid being launched to bring Luiz’s compatriot Doria to Stamford Bridge, he could be persuaded to cash-in.

The money raised from selling Luiz would easily cover the costs of 18-year-old Botafogo defender Doria, plus a more experienced centre-back.

The 26-year-old is now Barca’s top defensive target as they attempt to bolster their back-four, reports Goal.com. And, unlike this time last year, Chelsea have signalled they might be prepared to do business.

The Catalan giants failed in their attempts to sign Thiago Silva from PSG earlier this summer and have cooled their interest in Arsenal pair Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen. They are keen to bring in competition for the ageing and frequently injured Carlos Puyol.