Chelsea transfer news: Blues steal march on Liverpool in race to sign £35million-rated Porto hotshot Ruben Neves

CHELSEA have stolen a march on Liverpool in the race to sign £35million-rated Porto midfielder Ruben Neves, according to reports.

The Portuguese ace, 19, has enjoyed a fine start to the season and attracted the attention of some of Europe's top clubs.

Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Neves but Chelsea have reportedly now made contact with him over a possible transfer.

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The Blues are willing to offer about £24m plus add-ons to land their man.

And they want to open negotiations quickly and agree a deal as soon as January, according to Portuguese news outlet .

Nemanja Matic's future at Stamford Bridge is uncertain and Antonio Conte sees Neves as the ideal replacement.

Arsenal and Juventus are also said to be interested in Neves and could provide extra competition for Chelsea.

Arsene Wenger is an admirer of the midfielder and sees the young talent as one for the future.

Juve, meanwhile, are looking to bolster a midfield which has been raided in recent years.

Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal have been signed by Manchester United and Bayern Munich respectively, while Andrea Pirlo left the Bianconeri in July 2015.