David Luiz in talks with Real Madrid over January transfer

David Luiz is in talks with Real Madrid and could leave Chelsea in the January transfer window, according to reports.

The Brazil international has been marginalised by Antonio Conte after he was involved in a bust-up with the Chelsea manager following the 3-0 defeat to Roma at the end of October.

After reportedly questioning Conte’s tactics, the 30-year-old was made to train on his own ahead of the following game against Manchester United.

Luiz was subsequently dropped from the squad for Chelsea’s win over Jose Mourinho’s side and was left on the bench for the win over West Brom and the draw at Liverpool on Saturday.

RMC Sport now claims that Luiz is in discussions with the Spanish champions and could join Zinedine Zidane’s side this winter.

Chelsea paid £34 million to re-sign Luiz from Paris Saint-Germain last year and the defender became a key part of Conte’s 3-4-3 system which helped the team win the Premier League title.

Luiz has already been ruled out of Chelsea’s clash with Swansea City on Wednesday as Conte has claimed the Brazilian requires further assessment on an ongoing knee problem.

‘I must be honest at the moment it is difficult for me to answer [how long he will be sidelined],’ the Chelsea manager said on Tuesday. ‘It will be up to the doctor to assess it and take the best decision.’