Manchester United looking to hijack Chelsea’s move for £33m winger

Manchester United are reportedly looking to hijack Chelsea’s attempts to sign Portugal international star Joao Mario this summer, according to Fichajes (via the Daily Star).

The Premier League side, who could only finish fifth in the English top-flight standings last term respectively under former boss Louis van Gaal, are understood to have entered the race to land the Sporting Lisbon winger ahead of the forthcoming 2016/17 campaign.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The 23-year-old; who has 18 international caps for Portugal and starred for his country during this month’s EURO 2016 finals in France, where they beat the hosts 1-0 (after extra-time) in the final on Sunday, scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions for the Liga NOS outfit last season.

Joao Mario, who has been with Sporting since he was aged 11, is wanted by new Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho following his impressive displays for the European champions over the past four to five weeks.

The report suggests that the Portuguese ace is valued at around £33m, although he is understood to have a whopping £51m release clause in his current contract.