Chelsea are making a new offer for Benfica defender David Luiz.
But the Guardian says the improved bid is still expected to fall short of the £43m release clause in the defender's contract that would trigger his sale.
Benfica have attempted to ward off interest by previously insisting they would not accept any offer under the 50m (£42m) release clause in that deal.
That stance could mellow with a raised bid from Chelsea, which is anticipated before the weekend.
