Chelsea star David Luiz 'offers himself' to replace Javier Mascherano at Barcelona ahead of January

Chelsea star David Luiz is the latest centre-back linked with a January move to Barcelona as the La Liga leaders continue to hunt a replace for Javier Mascherano ahead of the second half of the season.

Catalunya Radio claims that Luiz himself has "offered his services" to Ernesto Valverde with his future at Stamford Bridge having been under major scrutiny since Antonio Conte left him out of the squad for the 1-0 victory over Manchester United on 5 November.

The Brazil international returned to action days later in the 4-0 victory over Qarabag but the Chelsea defender has been unable to feature since the Champions League win due to an ill-timed knee injury.

Catalunya Radio says that Luiz is currently in Barcelona to address his medical issues and has taken advantage of the trip to Spain to offer his services to the La Liga giants in various meetings.

The Chelsea defender was linked with a move to the Nou Camp in previous transfer windows and the Catalan radio station says that Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez still rates him highly.

However, the report suggests that Barcelona will turn down the proposal from Luiz due to financial reasons.

The La Liga giants are expected to sanction the departure of Mascherano to Hebei China Fortune in a deal worth around €10m (£8.8m, $11.8m).

Barcelona planned to spend a similar figure on his replacement and Fernandez believes that luring Luiz away from Chelsea would require a much bigger investment.

Manchester United's Daley Blind has also been touted as a potential alternative in recent days with the Catalans also having a first option to sign Colombia international Yerry Mina from Palmeiras in a deal worth around €9m.

One way or another Luiz's future at Chelsea remains uncertain with previous reports in Spain claiming that Real Madrid are also closely monitoring the situation.

Furthermore, The Telegraph reports that the Brazilian wants to prove his fitness before the January transfer window reopens.

The report adds that Chelsea could consider parting ways with the 30-year-old defender for the right price as he will only have one-year remaining on his contract at the end of current season.

Andreas Christensen has impressed during Luiz's absence and his potential sale could help fund the pursuit of Conte's long-term target Virgil van Dijk.