Biggest news of the day was the reported bid for Benfica defender David Luiz, with A Bola suggesting a fee of €35million being offered to the Portuguese club along with €3million a year in salary to the player.

Luiz is a player long linked with the club, but this is the first indication of a firm offer being made. However, The Guardian later reported that the club were willing to pull the plug on a deal because of Benfica seeking a higher sum for the Brazilian under-20 international.

The news sparked a little debate on twitter about the merits of Luiz, with Tor-Kristian Karlsen believing him to be a big upgrade on the likes of Vincent Kompany, Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott. 

He certainly is highly rated, and whilst many sprang to the defence of the incumbents, if the club is to mount a challenge beyond just top four qualification then Toure and Lescott may just be a step below what is required.

The acquisition of Jerome Boateng, and now pursuit of David Luiz suggest that Roberto Mancini feels this is the case.

More to come on this no doubt.