He stands at 1.92m, is a world champion and wanted by some of Europe's biggest clubs.

But if Chelsea can strike a fee with Red Star Belgrade, they know they will win the signature of Marko Grujic.

"The Premier League is a league where I'd like to play, and my favourite club abroad is Chelsea," says the Serb, still floating after this summer's U20 World Championship victory in New Zealand.

Michael Emenalo, Chelsea's football director, is no stranger to Serbian football and was again in the country last week for Red Star's derby clash with Partizan Belgrade. The subject of his interest was Grujic, having already made an enquiry after the teen in July.

This followed a bid from Roma, which Red Star promptly rejected. As they did with an approach from Benfica, famous for bringing through Serbian talent. Chelsea had plans of signing Grujic and loaning him to Eintracht Frankfurt this season. But the midfielder didn't fancy it.

However, Emenalo won't be panicking. Grujic has made it clear, when the time is right to leave Red Star, he won't need convincing if Chelsea come knocking.

"Because of the position I play," says Grujic, "and because of my physique, I am 192cm tall, people compare me with Nemanja Matic.

"And I must say he's my role model. I study him carefully whenever I watch Chelsea play.

"You can see how important he is to the system of (Jose) Mourinho. It is a system I would also like to be part of."

Former Red Star coach Nenad Lalatovic isn't surprised by interest swirling around Grujic.

Lalatovic gave Grujic his first team debut and helped him play his way into Serbia's successful U20 squad last season.

"Grujic has height, is a sophisticated technician, can play forward and is the prototype of the modern defensive midfielder," says Lalatovic, now in charge of Borac Cacak.

Nebojsa Maksimovic, Red Star's youth coach, goes further, highlighting Grujic's on-field intelligence.

"He's an extremely intelligent guy, in the game he uses his mind more than his feet!

"He has a great, great shot and can position himself superbly wherever the ball may be. He knows his position at any time. His awareness is masterful and knows where he's going to pass the ball before he receives it.

"There is also the creativity and his goalscoring.

"He has great potential and is destined to succeed."

Grujic was aware of Emenalo's presence at the Marakana last week. But admits there is no contest when it comes to playing - and winning - in a Belgrade derby.

"I definitely made the right choice. I'm staying," he said at the final whistle.

"I'm very glad about that, I made the right decision. These games, at a full Marakana and my friends from Belgrade are the reasons why I am not at all sorry that I'm staying with Red Star this season."

Grujic continued: "It took me some time to adjust after New Zealand, but I'm feeling confident now. I think I had a great game, but the important thing was Red Star winning."

Back in form and at home with family and friends, Grujic says he's happy where he is.

"Look, there will be time to play abroad. But I first want to make a name for myself at the Marakana, then I'll leave."

However, with Red Star not exactly flush, Grujic knows the decision could be taken out of his hands.

"Then I will abide by the desire of the club. If my leaving would save the club from any problems, then there will be no objection from me. I will do primarily what suits Red Star."

And should that decision be made, Grujic will be hoping Emenalo follows up on that July approach.