Barcelona prepares second bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz

According to Sportsmail, Barelona will step up their pursuit of Chelsea defender David Luiz this week.

The Spanish champions' opened offer early last month and, despite an initial rebuttal, they have maintained their interest. Chelsea have put a price tag of around £45m on the Brazilian but Barca hope to negotiate a figure closer to £35m.

Director of football Andoni Zubizaretta has confirmed a centre-back is their priority although they have other options if Chelsea continue to price Luiz out of a deal.

Although Javier Faus, Barcelona’s economic vice-president, said: 'Money won’t be a problem in terms of making a signing.'

Liverpool's Daniel Agger is the favoured plan B. He would be cheaper at around £20m but his wages and injury record may yet go against him.

Manchester City's Vincent Kompany is also on the wishlist but a deal for the talismanic Belgian is unlikely.