Chelsea Reportedly Make Contact with Bruno Fernandes Amid Spurs, Liverpool Links

Chelsea have reportedly made contact with the representatives of Sporting CP star Bruno Fernandes, amid rumours he is also wanted by Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid. 

Sport Witness relayed the news from Portuguese outlet A Bola:

According to the report, Chelsea have initiated talks with those close to the midfielder to gauge his intentions for the summer after an excellent season with Sporting.

The Blues' Premier League rivals are described as "lurking," with both Liverpool and Tottenham having scouted the playmaker. The former are also said to have met with Fernandes' agents regarding a possible deal.

After returning to his native Portugal from Serie A outfit Sampdoria last summer, the 23-year-old has enjoyed an excellent campaign with Sporting, racking up 16 goals and 20 assists from midfield having split is time between central midfield and a more advanced role.

He has contributed as many goals this season as he did in four years with Udinese and Sampdoria, and four more assists.

Sport Witness' Jan Hagen gave his take on Fernandes:

He also received praise from Scouted Football after he bagged a brace on Saturday against Portimonense, which included a sensational volleyed winner in the 89th minute:

Chelsea aren't lacking in creativity given they have the likes of Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas in their ranks, but the latter's lack of mobility can sometimes be a problem for the Blues even with the boundless energies of N'Golo Kante alongside him.

The Spaniard will turn 31 on May 4, so while he's not quite in the twilight of his career yet, he's not getting any younger, either.

While Fernandes would likely be attainable for less than his €100 million release clause, he'd nevertheless be an expensive purchase, particularly as Sporting will be reluctant to part with him having had him for just one season.

It's hardly a surprise his stellar performances have caught the eye of some top sides, but given how much he'll likely cost, it could be worth waiting to see if he can replicate it again next year before making a move or he could prove to be an expensive mistake.