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Barcelona launch £35m for David Luiz as odds slashed on Brazil star leaving Chelsea
BARCELONA have ramped up their interest in Chelsea defender David Luiz after submitting a £35m bid.
Luiz's future has been the subject of speculation this summer, despite Jose Mourinho insisting he is firmly in his plans.
Speaking after his side's 2-0 pre-season win over AC Milan, 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."
The Catalan giants have been drawing up a shortlist of defenders, as they seek cover for Carles Puyol, who was plagued by injuries last season.
And Luiz realised the spectre of a possible departure after being pulled out of their International Champions Cup final clash against Real Madrid this evening.
Moreover, his odds of a move to the Camp Nou have been cut from 3/1 to evens by Sky Bet, such is their confidence that he will be a Barca player before the transfer window closes.
The 26-year-old Brazilian penned a five-year deal with the Blues last September.