Chelsea are interested in signing £25million Luiz to ease some of the pressure off Paulo Ferrira. The Premier League champions have been rocked by injuries to both John Terry and Alex, leaving them short of options in the heart of the back four.

Paulo Ferreira, the Portugal international right-back, filled in against Sunderland on Sunday, and was clearly out of his depth as the Blues suffered a shock 3-0 loss.

Reports in The Mirror claim Carlo Ancelotti will now seek permission from club owner Roman Abramovich to launch a £25million bid for Luiz in January.