Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen to hand Slobodan Rajkovic a new contract.
The Daily Mail says Villas-Boas has approved an extension to the central defender's contract which expires next year in order to strengthen his case for a work permit, the stumbling block which has halted his career in England.
Rajkovic, 22, was refused a permit last year when Chelsea had him lined up for a loan to Fulham because he had not played in 75 per cent of Serbia's games during the previous two years.
"Special thanks to the coach who has given me my first chance since I joined Chelsea," said Rajkovic. "I have a huge desire to prove I was not wrong. All my team-mates have accepted me and it has been a pleasure to play and train with them.
"Another option is to go on loan somewhere. We decided this time it would be best to be in a strong environment, with a team fighting for the title. With respect, NEC last season was not exactly the best solution for me."
