- Manchester United transfer news exclusive as Chelsea raid lined up
- Arsenal have also been linked with the Stamford Bridge hero
- United want David Luiz but Chelsea would rather sell him abroad
- READ MORE: Manchester United CLEARED by club chief to sign £55m Chelsea transfer target
Manchester United have launched an opening enquiry over sealing the transfer of Chelsea defender David Luiz this January, it has emerged.
CaughtOffside understands Jose Mourinho has been in touch with his former club about snapping up the Brazil international, though the Blues are highly reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival.
This could also hurt Arsenal, who have been recently linked with an interest in Luiz by the Daily Express, though it could hand an advantage to Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Both clubs have been linked as contenders for Luiz in the Spanish press, but United had hoped to steal a march on them by contacting Chelsea about a deal.
However, having sold Nemanja Matic to United in what now looks an unwise move last summer, CaughtOffside understands that the Red Devils are now extra cautious about doing business with the west Londoners again.
MORE: Chelsea transfer news
Various media outlets have suggested the 30-year-old could move for somewhere in the region of £25million after losing his place in Antonio Conte’s side this term, while a loan to Real Madrid has also been touted.
However, CaughtOffside understands it would likely take a great deal more for any English side to sign the player.
Chelsea boss Conte may no longer see Luiz as a starter in his squad, but the Italian remains aware of his overall quality and chance of improvement if given the chance elsewhere.
Luiz was a key player for Chelsea in their Premier League title win last season, so the club will hope to offload him to a foreign side this month, with some reports claiming they’re keen to sign AC Milan’s Leonardo Bonucci as a replacement.
It remains to be seen if United will push harder for Luiz or explore alternative targets in that position, though any centre-back signing would be useful for Mourinho at this stage due to the recent injury sustained by Eric Bailly.
The Manchester Evening News also recently claimed United had enquired about signing Chelsea winger Willian, but that interest does not appear to have gone any further.