David Luiz

Jose Mourinho has ruled Real Madrid out of the running for Benfica defender David Luiz , making Manchester City favourites to sign the Brazilian.

It was reported in the Spanish media yesterday that Benfica were waiting on a possible counter-offer from Real Madrid , in response to a 33 million euro bid from Manchester City .

It now appears that City have outbid their rivals as Mourinho told Spanish station TV1 that although contact had been made over the player, he would not be looking to sign Luiz.

Mourinho said, "I like him a lot, but he will not come to Madrid this year.

"There was a little contact, but the price is prohibitive.  After all that was spent on last year's Madrid, now we do not have much to spend."

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini would appear to now have the chance to sign Luiz who he scouted on a number of occasions last season, including when he played left-back against Liverpool in the Europa League quarterfinal.  Luiz has been at Benfica his entire career and is renowned as an intelligent, quick and strong defender.

Mancini has already strengthened City's defence this summer with the signing of Lazio left-back Aleksandar Kolarov .