If the rumour mill is to be believed, Chelsea defender David Luiz could soon swap the bright lights of London for the sunshine of Barcelona.
Speculation claims that the Spanish champions are willing to part with £30m to land the Brazilian international, who decided to keep quiet on his future when pressed by reporters.
So, if the Blues are to lose their flamboyant centre-back, who could replace him at Stamford Bridge? Below, Sports Mole assesses five potential candidates.
Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund
The German international is seen as a pure footballing centre-back in his partnership with Neven Subotic at Dortmund, which would make him an almost direct replacement for Luiz. It seems that defenders who are comfortable in possession are rare to come by at present, but Hummels is happy to receive the ball in virtually any area of the pitch. He has experience of winning titles and competing in the latter rounds of the Champions League as well, which should see him slot straight in at the Bridge.
Market value according to transfermarkt: £21m
Philippe Mexes, AC Milan
Like Hummels, France international Mexes has gained a reputation as a ball-playing centre-back. He has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, but has spent the majority of his career in Serie A with Roma and Milan. What he would provide is a wealth of experience, having appeared for both his club and country on a regular basis. He also showed in the Champions League last year that he could rival Luiz by scoring an acrobatic goal from distance.
Market value according to transfermarkt: £4.4m
Jan Vertonghen, Tottenham Hotspur
It could well be difficult to tempt Spurs into doing business where their Belgian international is concerned, but it is a deal that from a Chelsea point of view may prove beneficial. He showed during his debut season in the Premier League last term that he can cope with the physicality of the English game, but that he also has an eye for a pass. Not only that, he can also score goals, albeit not as spectacular as the ones that Luiz has recently scored.
Market value according to transfermarkt: £16.5m
Eliaquim Mangala, Porto
A recent report claimed that the 22-year-old had been identified by Mourinho as his number one centre-back target. However, if the Blues are to get their man, he would want the reassurance of regular action. "It's flattering because Chelsea are a great club and Mourinho is a great coach," he said. "I intended to stay in Porto but you never know what will happen in football, especially when big clubs are involved. At Porto I play every week and I am involved in the title fight and the Champions League - that is important to me." It is believed that the defender has a £30m release clause in his contract.
Market value according to transfermarkt: £8.5m
Ezequiel Garay
It is believed that the former Real Madrid defender is a big target of Manchester United, who have concerns over the long-term fitness of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. With that in mind, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Mourinho move for the 26-year-old, just to get one over on a rival club upon his return to England. The centre-back also recently made Jorge Mendes his agent, the same man who represents Mourinho.
Market value according to transfermarkt: £15.5m
