According to reports in the Sunday Mirror, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is considering making a move for £23m-rated Chelsea centre-back David Luiz as they looks to find cover for the injured Eric Bailly.

What's the word, then?

Well, the Sunday Mirror says that Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen to sell the Brazil international during the January transfer window after dropping him when the pair fell out following the 3-0 defeat to AS Roma in the Champions League in October.

Luiz was dropped from the squad that beat United 1-0 in the following game, but he has only played once since – although he has been sidelined with a knee injury in recent weeks.

The Sunday Mirror says that while Juventus are the frontrunners to sign the 30-year-old in the New Year, Red Devils manager Mourinho could also be interested after learning Bailly could be out for up to three months with an ankle injury.

How has Luiz done this season?

While he was fantastic as Chelsea lifted the Premier League trophy last term and looked to be a much better defender than in his first spell in England, the Brazilian has largely struggled during the current campaign.

He was far from impressive as the Premier League holders were beaten 3-2 by Burnley at Stamford Bridge on the opening day, while he was sent off in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

The 30-year-old was particularly poor in that 3-0 loss to Roma in Europe, which led to the fall out between Luiz and his manager.

That said, according to Squawka the centre-back has still made 37 clearances and 23 interceptions in eight top flight appearances this season, while he also won 12 aerial duels and successfully completed three of the five take-ons he has attempted.

Would he be a good signing for United?

If Mourinho is looking for an experienced Premier League defender for the next couple of years, then there is no doubt that Luiz would be a good buy – especially for £23m.

Even though Mourinho and the Brazil international have both enjoyed two spells with Chelsea, they have never worked with each other but the Portuguese boss will still know the 30-year-old's strengths and weaknesses and how to get the best out of him.

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