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.

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.

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.