Chelsea rocked as Luiz 'tells Mourinho he wants to quit for Barcelona'

Hairy moment: David Luiz has told Chelsea he wants to quit for Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo

David Luiz has dropped a transfer bombshell on Jose Mourinho just a week before the season starts, telling the Chelsea manager he wants to quit for Barcelona, according to reports in Spain. 

The Brazil centre half is top of new Barca boss Gerardo Martino summer shopping list as he bids to reposition the Catalan giants at the summit of European football. 

Luiz, who has been at Chelsea for two-and-a-half years, has overcome initial concerns about his ability following the £25million move to Stamford Bridge from Benfica, becoming one of the Premier League's best defenders.

Internationally, he has excelled alongside Thiago Silva, who earlier this summer turned down a move to the Nou Camp. 

New Blues boss Mourinho has previously questioned some elements of Luiz's game, but has been unequivicol in his stance that the 26-year-old would not be sold this summer. 

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claimed on Tuesday that Barcelona's initial bid of £25m was laughed out of the room by Chelsea, though the firm interest was enough for the player to inform the English club he wanted to leave. 

Luiz's stance has encouraged Barca, who are now prepared to raise their offer to around £31m. That, however, falls £12m short of Chelsea's minimum expectation. 

Brazil team-mate Dani Alves has added his voice to the campaign to sign the player, though the full back admits he can't see Mourinho letting go easily.

Speaking on international duty this week, he said: 'I always want the best for my friends and I tell them to come here if they can. As well as that, he is a great player. 

'The problem is not whether he wants to come, but that in the end you have to get away from Mourinho - and that is not going to be easy.

'The idea of facilitating David Luiz coming to Barca would not pass through his head, and even less if it is to strengthen us. It is more than difficult for us, almost impossible.'

Should the pursuit fail, Martino has earmarked Liverpool's Daniel Agger as a cheaper alternative. 

Meanwhile, leading papers AS and Marca have featured Gareth Bale on their front pages this week, after they sent reporters to Wales training. 

Neither of them were able to coax the wantaway Spurs star into discussing Real Madrid's world record bid.

DailyMail