Chelsea are reportedly ready to renew their interest in Benfica's Brazil centre-back David Luiz following injuries to John Terry and Alex.
The Premier League champions have been linked with Luiz on several occasions in 2010.
And with coach Carlo Ancelotti's defensive options now severely depleted due to an injury crisis at Stamford Bridge, the Blues look set to launch a serious bid for the 21-year-old with the aim of landing him in January.
Luiz, who has won three caps for his country and won the Portuguese League Footballer of the Year award last season, could cost around £25million.
Alex is out until the New Year after keyhole surgery on his knee, while Terry is sidelined for an indefinite period due to his back problem.
However, Chelsea still have seven Premier League fixtures to negotiate before the transfer window re-opens - trips to Birmingham, Newcastle, Tottenham and Arsenal, and home games against Everton, Manchester United and Bolton.
Ancelotti's only recognised senior central defender currently available is Branislav Ivanovic, who is one booking away from a domestic suspension.
Teenage Holland international Jeffrey Bruma, who has only made three substitute appearances in the league to date, is competing for a place alongside Ivanovic with Paulo Ferreira, who struggled in the 3-0 home defeat by Sunderland at the weekend.
It has been suggested that Michael Essien or John Obi Mikel could drop back into the rearguard, while some fans have even called for Didier Drogba to step into the breach.
