Manchester City have opened talks with Benfica for defender David Luiz.

The Daly Mail says City flexed their muscles again on Monday when they opened negotiations to take brilliant Brazilian Luiz from under the noses of Real Madrid in a £25million swoop.

The left-sided Benfica defender - who can also play as a defensive midfielder - had been expected to move to Spain until City moved swiftly with an ambush bid to beat Real to his signature.

Luiz, 23, has also been watched by Chelsea and Manchester United, but City are the first to come close to Benfica's valuation and the player is keen on the move.