Chelsea leading race to sign Sporting Lisbon winger

Chelsea are leading the race to sign Sporting Lisbon winger Marcus Edwards, according to Corrieo da Manha.

The west London giants have already invested over £1 billion since their takeover last year, and they are expected to continue spending.

Mauricio Pochettino has hinted that there could be investment in the offensive department and reports claim that Edwards is on their radar.

The 24-year-old has had a good start to the campaign and he has already registered four goal contributions from 14 games for Sporting.

The winger has averaged three key passes per appearance and his recent performances have apparently caught the eye of Blues scouts.

Correio da Manha claim that Sporting are reluctant to lose him in January unless any club is willing to trigger his £52 million release clause.

The scenario could be different in the summer where they could be willing to negotiate a lower fee and could also accept staggered payments.

Chelsea are currently leading the queue to sign the former Tottenham Hotspur graduate. Spurs are also exploring the option of re-signing him.