Nemanja Matic
Chelsea close in on Matic. Reuters

David Luiz has admitted he would jump at the opportunity to re-join Benfica as Chelsea open negotiations to resign Nemanja Matic from the Portuguese giants.

Serbia international Matic moved to Stamford Bridge in 2009 but after just two appearances in two years for the Blues he moved to Benfica as a makeweight in the deal that saw Luiz arrive in West London.

Having since established himself as one of the finest midfielders in Portugal, Chelsea are keen to enlist the 26-year-old's services once again and have made an opening bid of £20m, Sky Sports report.

In a strange coincidence, Luiz could be replaced by the man Chelsea offloaded to help pave the way for his arrival at the club two years ago. But with his future at the club uncertain, the Brazilian has indicated he would be open to a return to the Estadio da Luz.

"I'm always rooting for Benfica, everyone knows the love I have for this club," Luiz, who was present as his former club defeated Porto on Sunday evening, told Benfica TV.

"I was very happy here and would love to go back. It's always a pleasure to return to the Stadium of Light."

Having fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho, Luiz has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge throughout the season, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich two names persistently linked with his signature.

Mourinho would appear to prefer a tireless presence in midfield to play alongside Frank Lampard or Ramires and it would seem the Chelsea coach has identified Matic as the ideal addition.

Manchester United are also keen on the Serbian as they seek to add steel to their thin midfield options. But the Blues are understood to have won the race for their former player.

After guiding his side to a 2-0 win over champions Porto, Benfica manager Jorge Jesus was also quizzed on the future of the influential midfielder. "Matic? How do I respond to that? I just know that tomorrow he has a FIFA gala," he was quoted as saying by A Bola.

"The coach is only here to train and empower the Benfica players. I'm always the last to know with these issues."

But in a clear indication that Matic's departure is imminent, Jesus added: "We sell players all year and in Portugal we all have to live with this situation. If Matic (leaves) I have to find solutions."