Chelsea remain keen on Benfica winger Lazar Markovic. The London Evening Standard says Markovic was monitored by Chelsea before he joined the Portuguese club from Partizan Belgrade last summer.

Such was the nature of the deal and the strength of their relationship with Benfica, Chelsea secured a first option on buying Markovic in the future.

The 20-year-old has a release clause in his five-year contract worth in excess of £33million but Chelsea would have to pay just £12.5m.

Markovic is rated as one of the best young players in Europe and has also attracted interest from Liverpool.