Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte interested in Joao Mario after he helped Portugal to Euro 2016 glory

CHELSEA have heightened their interest in Portugal's Euro 2016 hero Joao Mario.

The Sporting central midfielder has been linked with the Blues and Manchester United in the past.

3

3

But his impressive performances which saw his nation win European football's biggest competition have seen the Blues reignite their interest.

Mario, 23, could now be the subject of a £46million bid from the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Sporting narrowly missed out on the league title to Benfica by just two points, but Mario’s fine form has put a number of top European sides on alert after scoring five goals in 27 appearances.

RELATED STORIES

Conte's first day

Italian boss Antonio Conte arrives at Cobham for his first day of training with new club Chelsea

MISSING IN ACTON?

Chelsea's £20m interest Amadou Diawara missing from Bologna and feared to be in London

I'LL GIVE REDS THE BLUES

Paul Pogba agent Mino Raiola threatens United: We turned down Chelsea and can snub you too

Kante bidding war

N'Golo Kante's Chelsea move complicated as Chinese club Shanghai SIPG hint they could up bid

3

And Mario's agent, Kia Joorabchian, has links to Chelsea from past deals.

The Iranian, famous for bringing Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to West Ham in 2006, helped the Blues land young American defender Matt Miazga and Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato in January.