Atletico Madrid have joined Chelsea and Everton in the race for Lille midfielder Thiago Mendes, according to reports in Brazil.

The Spanish club are preparing a €25m (£21.5m) offer for the Brazilian ahead of the summer transfer window.

Mendes is a holding midfielder and is likely being looked at by the Blues as a possible understudy for Jorginho for next season.

Chelsea lost out to PSG for Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes in January and were unable to find an alternative before the window shut.

Despite the club’s transfer ban remaining in place, Maurizio Sarri’s side are still seemingly scouting potential targets with Mendes reportedly one of the options being looked at.

The 27-year-old has made 32 appearances for Lille this campaign, having provided three assists and helped his side to second in Ligue One.

At the moment, Atletico do look to be the club in pole position for Mendes heading into the summer.