David! Luiz on brink of record £50m PSG switch as mega-rich French giants close in on Chelsea defender

David Luiz is on the brink of joining Paris St Germain in the next 48 hours in a sensational deal that could cost the French superpower close to £50million.

Exact terms are still to be thrashed out by the clubs, but the transfer of the 27-year-old Chelsea star will be the world's most expensive for a defender, beating the previous two highest fees - both paid by PSG, for Marquinhos and Thiago Silva.

Once a fee is agreed with Stamford Bridge, PSG will seek approval from Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to fly to their World Cup base to carry out a medical.

Farewell: David Luiz waves to the crowd at a World Cup event in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday

Pointing to the sky: Chelsea star Luiz is on the brink of joining PSG in a deal costing close to £50 million

Tongue out: Luiz celebrates with the Europa League trophy after Chelsea beat Benfica in the 2013 final

WHEN SPORTSMAIL VISITED LUIZ'S STUNNING PENTHOUSE APARTMENT

Sportsmail's Lee Clayton and Alex Kay visited David Luiz's home in February 2013 to interview the Chelsea star and QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar ahead of the England v Brazil friendly at Wembley.

PSG believe they are capturing one of the most stylish defensive players in the world and last night it looked as though they are ready to pay the figure demanded by Chelsea.

They are flexing their financial muscle again in what will be the first major transfer of a busy World Cup summer.

The previous best deal received by an English club for a defender was when Rio Ferdinand left Leeds for Manchester United for £30million twelve years ago. This deal will dwarf that British record transfer.

Sources in Paris have confirmed PSG had to move quickly to beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich. It may explain the size of the fee they are prepared to pay as they move quickly to clinch the transfer. It is not believed they have any competition at that fee.

Chelsea will use the money to rebuild their squad next season, with Diego Costa top of their wish-list.

Close shave: Luiz shaves his beard next to Brazil team-mate Paulinho during the Gillette event on Tuesday

Euro glory: Luiz holds the Champions League trophy during a victory parade through London in May 2012

Flying the flag: Luiz climbed onto the crossbar in Munich after Chelsea won the 2012 Champions League

Their decision to sell comes quickly after John Terry agreed a new contract. Terry will play alongside Gary Cahill next season.

Luiz will play at centre half for Brazil in the World Cup but he can also play as a holding midfielder.

Head to head: Luiz and Edinson Cavani come together during the Champions League quarter-final between PSG and Chelsea in April - and the two could be team-mates next season