Barcelona have reportedly made a bid in the region of £35m for Chelsea's Brazilian centre-back David Luiz.

New Barca boss Gerardo Martino is said to have identified defence as a key area to strengthen ahead of the new season, and Luiz's ball-playing nature appears to suit the Catalan giants' style of play.

According to Sky Sports News, Barca have targeted Luiz and made their interest official by tabling a bid for the 26-year-old, whose contract at Chelsea has three more years left to run.

Luiz joined the Blues from Benfica in January 2011.