Manchester City are set to step in and sign Benfica defender David Luiz
Chelsea had a £17 million offer for the Brazilian turned down this week.
The Telegraph says Roberto Mancini, the City manager, is thought to have identified Luiz - for whom he had a £15 million bid rejected in the summer - as his primary defensive reinforcement for next month as he looks to build a squad capable of overhauling Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.
The Brazilian, capable of playing at either left back or in the centre of defence, has a £43 million buy-out clause in his contract and Benfica are thought to be keen to retain his services until the summer.
City hope to do business for around £26 million.