Chelsea Transfer News: Barcelona Make £35 Million Bid For David Luiz

BBC. The 26-year-old has been a long-term target for the Spanish champions, who have now made their interest in the Brazil international formal. But Chelsea have insisted in the past that the former Benfica star, who moved to Stamford Bridge for £21 million in 2011, and has made more than 100 appearances for the club, is not for sale. Barcelona's offer for Luiz is believed to have been cash only and does not involve any players, according to reports. Additional sources claim the offer came in at £35 million, and is expected to be knocked back by the West London club. Blues boss Jose Mourinho has made it quite clear in the past that Luiz is central to his plans ahead of his first season as manager of the Stamford Bridge club since his return to England. Speaking after Chelsea-s 2-0 win over AC Milan recently, Mourinho said:

"David has come back with us fantastically and we have to use his quality. "He has big self-confidence and self-esteem, especially when he comes up from the back with the ball."

Luiz only just recently pledged his long-term future to the Blues, signing a five-year deal back in September, and played a key role last season, making 57 appearances across all competitions including 30 in the Premier League. And he played an important part in Chelsea's run to the Europa League final, which they won, scoring 4 times in 14 appearances.