Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte, with the Sporting Lisbon midfielder reportedly preferring a move to Stamford Bridge over Paris Saint-Germain.
Reports last week claimed that the Blues were prepared to match the French side's £52m bid for the 22-year-old Uruguayan international.
The defensive midfielder is expected to move on this summer, with clubs across Europe interested in signing him following his excellent displays for Sporting this season.
Ugarte has made 47 appearances for the Portuguese side during the campaign, while also becoming a regular for his country over the past year.