Chelsea, Liverpool interested in Porto youngster Ruben Neves?

Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly locked in a battle to sign young midfielder Ruben Neves from Porto when the transfer window reopens in January.

Contact with the 19-year-old's agent Jorge Mendes is said to have been made by both clubs, who are aware of the £36m release clause inserted into his contract.

Neves claimed last year that he could potentially end his career at Porto, having established himself in the first-team ranks at the Estadio do Dragao and been rewarded for his form with two senior Portugal caps.

According to Italian publication Calciomercato, Juventus have shown an interest in the Dragons' academy ace but face competition from Liverpool and Chelsea, with the latter thought to be particularly desperate to bring a new deep-lying midfielder to the club.

Neves, also tipped with a move to Arsenal last year, has made four appearances for Porto in the Primeira Liga this term.