Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea eye big money move for Benfica defender David Luiz as injury crisis threatens season
Blues target: David Luiz is being tracked by Chelsea[LNB]Chelsea are weighing up a January raid for Benfica defender David Luiz after being hit by injuries to John Terry and Alex.[LNB]Brazil international Alex needs surgery on a knee injury and has been ruled out for up to eight weeks, while Terry told Sportsmail this week that he could be out for months with a painful nerve problem.[LNB]The Blues battled Manchester City and Real Madrid for Luiz in the summer, but Portuguese champions Benfica fought off all suitors by insisting they would not deal for less than his £42.5million release clause.[LNB]However, Luiz would be keen to test himself on a bigger stage and Benfica have lost their shine this season. They were recently hammered 5-0 by Porto, who are 10 points ahead of the Lisbon club in the league.[LNB]A £25million bid might be enough to land Luiz in January, though Bolton's Gary Cahill could be an alternative.[LNB]Bolton chairman Phil Gartside admits he would have to sell the England defender if the right offer came along this winter, following revelations that the Trotters' debt had risen to £93m. [LNB] Hammer blow: John Terry is facing months on the sidelines through injury[LNB]Newcastle United's Steven Taylor has been tipped as a cut-price option. Chelsea's only fit senior centre half is Branislav Ivanovic, who played alongside an out-of-position [LNB]Paulo Ferreira during the shock 3-0 home defeat by Sunderland on Sunday.[LNB]Holland international Jeffrey Bruma, 19, is highly rated but largely untested at senior level.[LNB] Petrescu set for Chelsea return!... to learn from Stamford Bridge boss CarloChelsea crisis as Alex faces eight weeks out to join Terry on sidelinesAncelotti set for the winter Blues as Chelsea's problems mount up Fab news! Capello relieved Terry is taking time out to solve injury mystery[LNB] Explore more:People: John Terry, Steven Taylor, Gary Cahill Places: The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Brazil
