Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea fight Manchester United for £15m Benfica defender David Luiz
Chelsea are ready to go head to head with Manchester United in a bid to sign Benfica defender David Luiz.[LNB]United have scouted the 6ft 1in Brazilian amid concerns about first-choice centre halves Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, who have both missed a raft of games because of injuries this season.[LNB]But Chelsea are ready to open the bidding for the £15million rated star after also being impressed with his performances for the Portuguese table-toppers.[LNB] In demand: Benfica's Brazilian defender David Luiz (centre)[LNB]Scouting mission: Angel di Maria[LNB]Luiz, 22, could strengthen a position at Stamford Bridge where John Terry's form is faltering, Alex has been dogged by injury and Ricardo Carvalho, 32 in May, is getting no younger. Branislav Ivanovic, highly regarded at Chelsea, has seen more action at right back.[LNB]Luiz, who can also play at left back, has a buy-out clause set at a whopping £45m, but Benfica would accept much less for a player who has also been linked to Real Madrid.[LNB]Chelsea have tracked the former Brazil Under 20 international since the summer, when sporting director Frank Arnesen checked him out along with other Benfica stars Angel di Maria and Fabio Coentrao.[LNB]Luiz has formed a formidable partnership with compatriot Luisao in the Benfica defence, which has conceded just 11 goals in 21 League games this season.[LNB] Deco determined to quit Chelsea this summer and finish his career in BrazilManchester United back on trail of soaring Di Maria of BenficaManchester United are not for sale! Glazers stand firm amid takeover talkCHELSEA FC
