Sky Sport Germany journalist Patrick Berger confirmed on Wednesday that Bayer Leverkusen have identified the Brazilian as their primary target, with the club's sporting director Simon Rolfes and chief executive Fernando Carro spearheading the pursuit. Luís is a free agent after his dismissal from Flamengo in March and represents an immediately available option.
Kasper Hjulmand arrived at the BayArena last September as Erik ten Hag's replacement after the Dutchman was sacked following just two Bundesliga matches.
Hjulmand steered the club away from the chaos of that opening period but ultimately could not replicate the league form that had made Leverkusen European football's most celebrated project under Xabi Alonso. They finished sixth in the Bundesliga — outside the Champions League places — having conceded 22 more league goals than in the title-winning season.
Hjulmand's departure is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.
Luís, 40, won the Brazilian league and the Copa Libertadores in consecutive seasons at Flamengo and was sacked in March not on sporting grounds but following revelations that he had conducted unauthorised conversations with Chelsea's ownership about a potential management role.
He departed having won the Copa do Brasil, Supercopa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca, Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro — five trophies in under 18 months.
His playing career took him to Atletico Madrid, where he spent seven seasons and won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Super Cup, and to Chelsea, where he added the Champions League. He earned 44 senior caps for Brazil.
Leverkusen's interest was initially sparked in part by Luís following the club on Instagram earlier this month — a detail that attracted attention in the German press. The club's criteria for their next head coach include an emphasis on high pressing, rapid transitions and squad development from within, all areas in which Luís has demonstrated clear capability at Flamengo.
Girona's Míchel had been on the shortlist but is understood to have agreed terms with Ajax.
Luís is expected to give his answer before the World Cup begins next month.