Chelsea Boss Jose Mourinho wants Serbian Wonderkid – Report
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is hoping to add a talented teenager to his squad with a move for Benfica midfielder Lazar Markovic, according to media reports.
The Serbian international, who joined Benfica from Partizan Belgrade last summer, is considered one of the best young players in Europe and has also attracted interest from Liverpool – they do not have any deal in place with the Portuguese club though.
The attacking midfielder can play on either side or anywhere behind the striker and it is understood he plans to stay at Benfica for at least one more season before considering moving on.
However, according to Daily Mail, Mourinho is keeping close tabs on the 20-year-old – the Portuguese would have been watching Tottenham's Europa League latest defeat against Benfica with some interest as the Blues are considering signing the youngster.
The London club were interested in landing Markovic before he moved to Portugal and they managed to secure a first option on signing the Serbian in future as they have a strong relationship with Benfica – they have signed David Luiz and Ramires from the club while Nemanja Matic moved there from Stamford Bridge in 2011 and was bought back for £21m in the January transferb window.
The starlet's release clause in his five-year contract at the Stadium of Light is valued in excess of £33m but Chelsea would be willing to pay just £12.5m.
Anyway Markovic, who has played 31 matches and scored 7 goals this season, could be another potential star of the future at the club. Meanwhile, Mourinho will have to make do with Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba.
Chelsea are Premier League leaders with 66 points and still in the Champions League, though their continued participation is hanging by a thread as they have to overcome Galatasaray whom they drew 1-1 against in the first-leg.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.