Chelsea are lining up a move for Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal which would see versatile Brazilian David Luiz move in the other direction, FootballDirectNews.com understands. A source close to Stamford Bridge told FDN that boss Jose Mourinho has identified the Chile international as the long-term replacement for veteran Frank Lampard ahead of the summer transfer window and is willing to use Luiz as bait to tempt the Serie A champions.
The west London outfit are aware of stiff competition from several leading clubs, but are confident of landing their man and hope to push the deal through before the World Cup starts in June. A Manchester United insider told FDN the Red Devils have not given up on Vidal, but acknowledge that it will be a struggle to secure his signature if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. Luiz, who is capable of operating at centre-half or at the heart of the midfield engine room, has failed to secure a regular first-team place since Mourinho’s return to the helm last summer. Watch the second leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-final: Borussia Dortmund face Real Madrid
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