Monaco confirm interest in £68.7m Chelsea target

Matt Stead

Monaco have confirmed that reported Chelsea target Bernardo Silva is the subject of interest from “major European clubs”.

Silva has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Europe, over the past few seasons, joining Monaco from Benfica in 2014 and starring ever since.

This campaign alone, he has scored six goals and provided a further five assists in Ligue Un, as well as netting twice in the Champions League.

The Times reported over the weekend that Premier League leaders Chelsea had ‘initiated discussions’ over a potential deal for the 22-year-old.

Manchester United are also keen admirers of Silva, and it is claimed that Monaco would ask for a minimum fee of £68.7million for the versatile forward, who can play as a No 10 or on either flank.

In response to the reports, Monaco vice-president Vasim Vasilyev confirmed that a number of clubs were interested in the player.

“I really don’t want to go into details, but for all our major players, we do have interest from major European clubs,” he replied when asked about Silva.

“This is not the right time to talk about it. Let’s finish the season and then we can look at our project for next season. Me, the coach and the players are focused on this season.”