Chelsea eye Brazil star David Luiz as Carvalho seals reunion with Mourinho at Real Madrid

Chelsea are ready to step up their pursuit of Benfica defender David Luiz after agreeing to sell Ricardo Carvalho to Real Madrid for £6.7million.

Carvalho's move on a two-year deal means Stamford Bridge boss Carlo Ancelotti is free to sign another foreign player under new Premier League rules and, as revealed by Sportsmail last month, he is ready to splash out £27m on 23-year-old Luiz.

David Luiz

From Red to Blue? Benfica defender David Luiz could be on his way to Chelsea

Chelsea, however, will face competition from Manchester City for the Brazil defender who is on international duty ahead of Wednesday night's friendly against the United States.

Reunion: Carvalho will team up with Mourinho at Madrid

Reunion: Carvalho will team up with Mourinho again

Ancelotti signalled his willingness to sell Carvalho by omitting him from the squad which faced Manchester United in Sunday's FA Community Shield.

But the Italian will be alarmed to hear Real boss Jose Mourinho still wants Ashley Cole.

The former Chelsea manager's recent claims that he was about to end his interest in Cole after Ancelotti insisted the England left back was not for sale are likely to be taken with a pinch of salt, given the Real manager also stated he did not want to sign Carvalho.

And unlike Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, and Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal, Cole has yet to offer a public pledge of allegiance to Chelsea.

If the London club are successful in their pursuit of Luiz he will be reunited with former Benfica team-mate Ramires.

The Brazil midfielder had a medical on Saturday and an £18m fee has been agreed. Ramires now needs a work permit for his move to be completed.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been rebuffed in their approach for Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 23.