?Chelsea defender David Luiz could be set for a shock January move to La Liga giants Real Madrid, according to reports in France.

According to ?RMC Sport, the 30 year-old has become the subject of transfer speculation with reports stating conversations between the Blues and Los Blancos have been initiated, over a potential switch to Spain in the new year.

RMC claim that talks between the Madrid club and Luiz’s representatives have begun at an early stage, with a move mooted following the relationship between the defender and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte breaking down, after the player was dropped versus Manchester United earlier this month.

Atletico Madrid v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League

After being left out against the Red Devils, Conte told reporters that he wasn’t sure if Luiz had a future at the club. Since the win versus United, Andreas Christensen has deputised in defence alongside Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta, with a route back into Chelsea’s starting lineup looking a murky prospect for the Brazilian defender.

Conte is no stranger to his ruthless approach with players, following the Italian’s much-publicised spat with former striker Diego Costa which saw the Spanish international’s return to Atletico Madrid in the past few months.

Luiz’s return to West London from Paris-Saint Germain in his second spell, saw him become a regular fixture for Conte in a back three system, as Chelsea lifted the Premier League crown once more last term. With the player now seemingly having been frozen out however, a move away does not seem so far-fetched.

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