Chelsea have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon's Joao Mario, Express Sport has revealed.
The Red Devils made an initial offer of £45million according to reports in England but the Blues are determined to win the battle and secure the services of the midfielder.
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."
