Barcelona step up pursuit of Chelsea star David Luiz

Barcelona have stepped up their interest in Chelsea star David Luiz as they look to rebuild following their humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich.

The Catalans have been tracking the Brazil defender for over a year and were prepared to pay £35million for his services last summer before turning their attention to the other targets.

But Luiz’s stellar performances for Chelsea this season have led Barca to reignite their interest in the versatile 25-year-old defender.

Luiz has excelled in a defensive midfield role for Chelsea of late and scored a stunning goal in the 3-1 Europa League semi-final second leg win over Basle on Thursday night.

The former Benfica man is understood to be very happy living in London and signed a new deal last summer to tie him to the club until 2017.

But Barcelona are confident that they can take advantage of the unrest at Chelsea over the managerial situation and their failure challenge for the Barclays Premier League in Luiz’s two-and-a-half season in England.

Barca were beaten 7-0 by Bayern Munich over two legs in the Champions League semi-final this week and are looking to reinforce their defensive options.