David Luiz is in demand by both Manchester City and Barcelona

Luiz, who missed Wednesday night’s 4-2 win over Reading with a knee problem, flew to Barcelona yesterday to attend an event with Nike before returning last night.

The jaunt has raised speculation that Barcelona, who made an enquiry about Luiz at the end of last season, are trying to move for the centre-back.

Luiz, 25, said on Twitter: “Going to £barcelona, see you soon.”

Luiz, who was fined by Chelsea for declaring on Twitter that he was out of Wednesday’s game, has long been a player coveted by Barcelona and is seen as a replacement for skipper Carles Puyol.

Chelsea have already spent nearly £70 million on new players this summer and could be looking to recoup some of that outlay. But selling Luiz would leave the Champions league winners dangerously short of cover at centre back.