Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte’s Blues rival Inter with £39m bid for Sporting’s Joao Mario

CHELSEA have made a £39million bid for Sporting’s Joao Mario – but face a battle with Inter Milan for the player.

Portugal newspaper Jornal De Noticias have reported that Sporting are leaning towards accepting the Blues bid because Antonio Conte’s side will pay more of the fee upfront.

The 23-year-old impressed for Portugal in their Euro 2016 triumph, and played the full 120 minutes in the final as Portugal won their first ever major honour.

Mario has also been linked with Premier League rivals Liverpool, but the Blues have stolen a march.

Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market this summer, adding Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante to their ranks.