Spanish bid for rebel Luiz is a real possibility
Chelsea mourn coach Drummy
REAL MADRID have joined the race for David Luiz after the Chelsea defender’s fall-out with manager Antonio Conte.
The Spanish giants could be ready to make a move in January.
Luiz, also interesting Manchester United, has been discussed as a target by Real boss Zinedine Zidane.
Luiz had a massive falling-out with Conte after the Champions League draw with Roma at Stamford Bridge last month, when the manager was unhappy with the Brazilian’s reaction after being substituted.
There were further problems following the 3-0 defeat in Rome a fortnight later, after which Conte held a heated dressing-room inquest.
Luiz was left out of the squad entirely for the 1-0 win over United a week later, after apparently questioning tactics.
He also missed games against West Brom and Liverpool, though was recalled for the Champions League win over Qarabag last week. Luiz will now TRIBUTES have poured in for former Chelsea youth coach Dermot Drummy, who died on Monday aged 56.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte led the tributes to the former Crawley manager, right, who was instrumental in helping forge the careers of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathan Ake, among others.
Conte said: “Today we had bad news that our former youth-team coach, Dermot Drummy, died. I want to pass my condolences miss the clash with Swansea at Stamford Bridge tonight after Conte revealed the player had suffered a knee injury.
Conte said: “In this moment it’s very difficult for me to answer how long David Luiz will be out.
“It will be up to the doctor to assess the situation and then to take the best decision for the player.”
Chelsea would not sell Luiz in January unless they could find a replacement, with Conte already concerned about the depth of his squad.
Luiz, 30, has just over 18 months left on his contract.
Chelsea are expected to make another move for Juventus wing-back Alex Sandro, who is rated at £60million.
The Londoners go into tonight’s clash against struggling Swansea unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches. to his family and friends. “This is a big loss. This type of person has great value for the club. It’s not easy to work with young players, not only on the pitch but especially off the pitch, teaching them what life is.” Chelsea’s head of youth development Neil Bath said: “His love and passion for football were infectious.” England star Loftus-Cheek tweeted: “RIP coach. Thanks for everything.”