Chelsea 'to pip Liverpool to Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Fernandes'

Chelsea have reportedly emerged as the frontrunners to sign Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

The 23-year-old has been strongly linked with Liverpool of late and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be monitoring his progress but, according to The Sun, the Blues have stolen a march on their rivals in the race for the player's services.

Fernandes is expected to command a steep asking price, with Sporting said to have installed a £88m release clause in his contract.

The Portugal international has scored 16 goals and produced 20 assists in his 53 games for Sporting this season.

Fernandes joined the club from Italian outfit Sampdoria last summer.