Manchester United stunned in chase for £45m midfielder as Chelsea hold tentative talks

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Manchester United stunned in chase for £45m midfielder as Chelsea hold tentative talks



CHELSEA have joined the chase for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario.

Starsport exclusively revealed last week that Manchester United are closing in on a £45m deal for the Portugal international.
 
 Old Trafford bosses have held a series of talks with Mario and his representatives and are confident of striking a deal.
 
 United are willing to meet Mario's £45m release clause and hand him a long-term deal worth around £140,000-a-week.
 
 But CalcioMercato claim Chelsea have also held talks with the 23-year-old's new agents.
 
 Incoming Blues boss Antonio Conte has reportedly been promised a £150m transfer kitty by Roman Abramovich to rebuild the squad.
 
 Conte has been linked with a host of midfielders including Roma pair Radja Nainggolan and Miralem Pjanic.
 
 French champions Paris St-Germain and Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid are also keen on Mario.
 
 Mario, who has eight caps for Portugal, scored seven goals in 45 appearances for Sporting Lisbon this season.