David Luiz is ready to return to Portuguese giants Benfica - if he fails to land a new contract at Chelsea .
The Brazilian centre-back is a free agent in the summer and the Blues are yet to offer the 31-year-old an extension to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Reports in his homeland claim that Luiz is now in talks with Benfica, the Lisbon-based club he spent four years with before joining Chelsea for the first time in a £20million deal in 2011.
The Londoners then paid Paris St Germain £34million to re-sign the defender in 2016, two years after selling him to the French champions for £50million.
Palmeiras are interested in taking Luiz back to Brazil, with former Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari urging the club to do a deal.
But Luiz is believed to want to stay in Europe.
Luiz was named on the Chelsea bench for the midweek defeat to Tottenham at Wembley as Andreas Christensen was handed a rare start.
The Blues return to Premier League action against Newcastle this weekend.
Mustfer
57
Just give this man a contract god damn it! Like him or hate him, Luiz is great spirit and one of the few currently at the club with leadership attributes. Definitely worth having him for the presence as well as unique abilities on the pitch. Call me biased but there really aren't too many CBs with such passing range and ability as Luiz.
tropicalda
52
Despite some shaky performances and well deserved criticism this season, David Luiz has been rock solid since the game vs Man City. Imo chelsea best player in the last 3 or 4 games. A leader which chelsea lack in the team, his performances have become criminally underrated👏🏽
japbeknu
48
Chelsea should act quickly and give a new 12 months contract extension as the clubs policy on players above 30 stipulates. We need stability at the back. Christensen and not yet mature enough to be paired in crucial games.
Wezablnptu
46
I'm not a Chelsea fan but David should stay he is currently the only Chelsea player who can make a tru pass from back or middle. Your so called jurgino is not working and that was one of the reasons Chelsea lost to Tottenham. Mancity all the way.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
37
This man needs a contract. I've had my criticism of him but at the most important moments, he always shows up. Not to mention he's probably the only player with any real leadership qualities in the squad. Should be the only 30+ player to get a contract of more than 1 year. Cesc should have too but he's pretty much gone....