Barcelona have made a bid of £30m for David Luiz, though Chelsea will refuse to sell him at that price, according to the Mirror.

The La Liga champions are looking for a long term successor for centre-back Carlos Puyol, who turned 35 in April, and they have identified the Brazilian international as their number one target.

Luiz arrived at Stamford Bridge back in 2011, and has been tipped as a future Blues captain, but the temptation to join the Catalan club, where he would link up with international teammates Dani Alves and Neymar, may prove too strong should a fee be agreed between the two clubs.

Meanwhile, the club will reportedly battle with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Christian Benteke, who has handed in a transfer request at Aston Villa.

The 22 year old scored 23 goals in his debut season in Enlgand, and will be allowed to leave should Villa’s valuation of him be met, according to a statement from the club.

Elsewhere, Norwich City have rejected an improved bid from Chelsea for goalkeeper John Ruddy.

The Blues saw their initial bid of £5m turned down last week, and were again knocked back yesterday having reportedly offered the Canaries an extra £1m.