Chelsea planning £18 million bid to sign Porto starlet Ruben Neves

Chelsea are readying an £18 million bid for Porto midfielder Ruben Neves, according to reports. 

The Blues have targeted the 19-year-old as Antonio Conte looks to improve his midfield. 

Neves burst onto the scene in the 2014/15 season, making his league debut as a 17-year-old, and appearing five days later in the Champions League to become the youngest ever Portuguese player to appear in the competition. 

The following season, the youngster captained the Dragons in Europe’s premier competition – becoming the youngest ever captain – and big things were expected of him. 

However, he has faded from view in recent months, and has managed only four appearances for Porto this season – with none in European competition. 

Despite being overlooked in favour of other Portuguese talents – Renato Sanches primarily – Chelsea have not dropped their interest in the defensive midfielder.