Chelsea ready to renew interest in £46m Portugal winger – report

Chelsea are ready to revive their interest in Portugal winger Joao Mario, according to reports in the British media.

The Sun is claiming that the Blues have been impressed with the Sporting Lisbon midfielder’s performances at the European championship after Portgual beat France 1-0 to win Euro 2016 last weekend.

The same report states that Chelsea could offer £46m to test Sporting’s resolve as new Blues manager Antonio Conte looks to strengthen his squad ahead of his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

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The 23-year-old helped Sporting challenge for the Portuguese top-flight crown last term after Mario scored a respectable five goals in 27 league appearances.

The Portugal international has netted 14 times in 75 games in all competitions for the Portuguse giants since his debut in December 2011.

Chelsea have been linked with a host of different players in the summer transfer window but Conte has only signed Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi in a £34m deal from Ligue 1 side Marseille so far.

The west London side finished in tenth place in the Premier League table last term after Jose Mourinho was sacked and replaced by interim boss Guus Hiddink.