Chelsea have moved ahead of their European rivals in their pursuit of Bernardo Silva after holding talks with the Monaco No.10 about a summer switch, reports The Sunday Times.
Silva, 22, has enjoyed a thoroughly impressive campaign for Ligue 1 high flyers Monaco and his performances have seen him linked with a number of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The Portugal international, however, currently tops Antonio Conte’s summer wishlist and initial talks have taken place with a view to bringing the £70m-rated midfielder to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Chelsea will have Champions League football again next season and Conte will need to add to his squad in order to cope with the added fixtures.
Silva has scored or assisted 11 goals in 25 league appearances this season, while only Thomas Lemar (43) has registered more key passes (38) for Monaco this term.
For more stats on Bernardo Silva, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
