David Luiz - Photo Jose Goulao CCANCND
“We’ve got an exclusive!” boast the Mirror! “It’s big, it’s exciting, and John Cross can tell us more! Aggghhhh!”
Chelsea tracking £10million-rated Brazilian central defender - exclusive
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is tracking Benfica’s Brazilian defender David Luiz.
The 22-year-old is regarded as one of his nation’s top prospects and has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid. The £10million-rated centre-half fits the bill for Ancelotti as he looks to freshen up an ageing squad.
Captain John Terry has looked vulnerable, and his defensive partner has alternated between veteran Ricardo Carvalho and Brazilian Alex. Luiz, who is under contract at Benfica until 2015, would bring youth to the back four and Chelsea had scouts watch him in the Europa League against Hertha Berlin.
Chelsea? Interested in David Luiz? Exclusive information? Seems like that information was about 24 hours old when it landed on the Mirror’s football pages. Here’s the Daily Mail’s story of the previous day (which, as it happens, they didn’t brand exclusive):
Chelsea fight Manchester United in £15m summer move for Benfica defender David Luiz
Chelsea are ready to go head to head with Manchester United in a bid to sign Benfica defender David Luiz.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remember, if you know a bit of gossip, there is every chance that the Mirror may discover it subsequently, and most curiously, exclusively.
