Report: Chelsea preparing Joao Mario bid

Sporting's forward Joao Mario celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Portuguese Liga football match CD Tondela vs SC Sporting at the Aveiro City stadium in Aveiro on August 14, 2015
© Getty Images
A report claims that Chelsea are preparing a bid in the region of £33m for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario.

Chelsea are reportedly preparing a summer bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario.

The 23-year-old played a key role in Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph and also impressed for Sporting last season - scoring seven times in 45 appearances for the Portuguese outfit.

According to O Jogo, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who led Italy this summer, personally scouted Mario during the European Championships and has given the go-ahead on a £33m move for the versatile midfielder.

Mario, who has 18 Portuguese caps to his name, joined Sporting in 2004 and has made 75 first-team appearances for the Green and Whites.

Lazio's midfielder from Brazil Felipe Anderson celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match AS Roma vs Lazio at the Olympic stadium on January 11, 2015
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