Joao Mario to Chelsea: Manchester United target won’t be on the move this summer as Sporting Lisbon rule out transfer away
SPORTING LISBON insist they will not sell Joao Mario despite reported interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Premier League duo are both said to be keen on striking deals for the midfielder, who played a vital role as Portugal won Euro 2016 earlier this month.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte would like to bring Mario to Stamford Bridge in a reported £46million deal despite already splashing the cash on Leicester ace N’Golo Kante.
While United could yet make a move as their potential world-record transfer for Juventus superstar Paul Pogba slows down due to fresh interest from Champions League winners Real Madrid.
Inter Milan have also expressed a desire to pair Mario with new signing Ever Banega after boss Roberto Mancini missed out on Manchester City veteran Yaya Toure.
But Sporting are adamant their 23-year-old ace will not be leaving the Primeira Liga for a new challenge abroad, with president Bruno de Carvalho insisting his club are not in the business of parting ways with their best players.
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He said: “I understand [Mario] is a player who is much appreciated, but I want to reiterate our position.
“We do not sell our best players, we have a clearly defined project here. The fact may be that clubs are interested in Joao Mario, but that does not concern us.
“It just makes us proud because it means we are on track, I really hope that in a week’s time when we start preparing [for the new season], the coach will have all of his players available.”
Sporting’s reluctance to sell Mario could see Chelsea and United instead battle it out for compatriot Andre Gomes.
The Valencia star is reportedly the subject of interest from the Premier League pair as well as La Liga duo Barcelona and Real Madrid.
But like Sporting, Valencia are reluctant to sell and will allegedly demand a staggering £54m to part ways with the playmaker.