Manchester City and Chelsea set to battle for Brazilian defender

Manchester City and Chelsea target David Luiz has paved the way for a move to the Premier League in January after admitting that he doesn’t know where his future lies.

The 23-year old Benfica defender with a magnificent afro hairstyle, who has also attracted interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona in the past, turned down a new deal at the Portuguese club recently and admitted that he is very aware of interest from City and Chelsea.

“My future, only God knows,” he said.

“I do not know where I will be in January, in the summer or in 2015.

“The rumours from England? I know that and I follow them, but this does not depend on me.

“I refused another renewal because I have a contract until June 2015 and am happy here. I have a clear conscience.

“If it were only a matter of money, I would not be at Benfica. Criticism hurts me but my mission is to work every day.”

Chelsea’s need for a centre back would seem greater after their lack of depth in the position was exposed recently during John Terry’s absence through injury.

With Ricardo Carvalho leaving for Real Madrid in the summer and Terry and Alex out injured, Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to use Paulo Ferreira and Branislav Ivanovic in central defence and the reigning Premier League champions have been exposed at the back as a result.

Manchester City, however, are rumoured to be preparing a £25 million (€29.5 million) bid for Luiz, who has been tipped to become one of the best defenders in the world.

Luiz has been capped four times for Brazil and has scored four goals in 63 appearances since joining Benfica in 2007.