Chelsea star David Luiz wanted by Real Madrid after being axed by Antonio Conte

DAVID LUIZ could be a Real Madrid player in January.

claims that the Brazilian, out of favour at Stamford Bridge, could join Zinedine Zidane’s side this winter.

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Luiz, 30, has been sidelined by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte after they were reportedly involved in a bust-up after the 3-0 defeat to Roma at the end of October.

Now he could be out for an extended period, anyway, as he has a new knee injury.

The maverick central defender didn't play well in that Champions League game and lost his place to Andreas Christensen.

Having sat out three games against Manchester United, West Bromwich and Liverpool there seems little inclination of Conte's part to restore Luiz to the first team.

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Luiz has found himself sidelined following a poor display against Roma

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And the player who rejoined Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain for £34million in the summer of 2016 could be on his way.

The defender quickly became a key part of Conte’s 3-4-3 system which helped the team win the Premier League title last season.

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He looked to have cut out the slack and silly parts of his game that marred his first spell in west London.

But RMC Sport now claims Luiz is in discussions with the Spanish champions and this represents an opportunity he is unlikely to turn down.

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Cesc Fabregas and David Luiz were left stunned as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat to Roma

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As for his current injury woes, Chelsea's medical team are assessing him.

Luiz originally suffered from knee problems last season after a clash with Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero in December.

Asked about the severity of Luiz's injury, Conte said: "I must be honest at the moment it is difficult for me to answer.

"It will be up to the doctor to assess it and take the best decision.I don't know how long he will be out."

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Dane Christensen, meanwhile, has grabbed his shock opportunity with both hands and is set to keep Luiz out of the Chelsea line-up.

The Blues host struggling Swansea on Wednesday as they bid to cut the extensive 11-point gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Manchester City.

The Citizens are at home to Southampton on the same night.