Chelsea will challenge Manchester United in their attempt to sign Sporting Lisbon's Joao Mario.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola has claimed that the Blues have already met with the player's representatives to discuss a transfer fee.
The midfielder has a market transfer value of £38.7million and is open to make a move to the English Premier League.
Last week, the player's father said that 23-year-old confirmed that the Premier League is where the player wants to play.
"I'm in Luanda and I'll be back on Thursday, then we'll talk. Joao has offers but he can stay as well," he said.
"If he leaves Sporting, his preference is England.
"Sporting have already set a minimum to talk and I can say that it's bigger than Renato Sanches, for example, but it all depends on what the clubs want to pay and offer."
