Manchester City are preparing to make their move for Benfica defender David Luiz, and are ready to bid £25 million for the Brazilian defender, who they have been tracking for some time.
But as RashyCruz.Blogspot revealed earlier this month, Benfica want £35 million for highly-rated left-back Luiz, who has a £45 million buy-out clause in his contract, so City will likely be asked to up their offer.
Luiz can also play as a defensive midfielder and is on the wanted list of several top European clubs, but City have set out their willingness to spend big to land him ahead of their rivals.
City manager Roberto Mancini has watched Luiz several times this season and was impressed when the Brazilian's performance against Liverpool in the Europa League quarter-finals.
The 23-year-old has also been watched by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United, but City are the first to accept Benfica's massive valuation.
Luiz, who joined Benfica from Brazilian club Vitoria three years ago, has formed a strong defensive pairing with compatriot Luisao at the heart of the defence, though his considerable pace allows him to be equally comfortable at left back.
Many of Benfica's players have caught the eye after guiding the club to the Portuguese title - the club's first triumph in five years - and RashyCruz.Blogspot broke the story earlier this month that City were chasing both Luiz and team-mate Angel Di Maria in a sensational double swoop.
Benfica's enormous reported price tag of £75 million for the pair would put many clubs off, but City are in a unique position to afford such princely sums.
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