The race for Benfica winger Lazar Markovic is heating up.

Record says Chelsea and Liverpool are going head-to-head for the free-scoring midfielder.

Chelsea have first option on Markovic, but Liverpool can still outbid the Blues this summer for the Serbia international.

Benfica will be reluctant to lose the midfielder, who only moved last summer from Partizan Belgrade, but are rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of an auction for the youngster.

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