CHELSEA IN FOR JOAO PINTO

The Benfica star is quitting the club this summer and, although Sporting Lisbon want to keep him in the Portuguese capital, a lucrative move is looking increasingly likely if he can maintain his current level of form in the remainder of the Euro 2000 tournament.

Newcastle are very much in the hunt for the 28-year-old, after reportedly making a firm three-year offer to the player, but Chelsea`s offer surpasses all of the others in terms of financial reward, according to the latest reports coming out of Portugal.

Paris Saint Germain and Fiorentina would also like to sign Joao Pinto, but the indications are that he would reject a move to France, while new Viola coach Fatih Term has other options in the transfer market.

Gianluca Vialli is likely to require a replacement for Gianfranco Zola, who has offers from Napoli and Fenerbahce, and he has already been linked in Italy with a move for Roberto Baggio who, like Joao Pinto, is another hugely-talented individual available on a free transfer.

Bobby Robson is reported to have offered the Portugal ace a three year contract worth £3 million, but his agent, Jose Veiga, is holding out for a four-year agreement. If Chelsea meet this wish, and maintain their lucrative salary offer, then surely they must now be considered favourites to win the race for his signature, even though a move to Sporting cannot be discounted.