Chelsea close in on Lazar Markovic?

European champions Chelsea are reportedly preparing to confirm the signing of Lazar Markovic.

The Blues are said to have monitored the attacking midfielder, who currently plays for Partizan Belgrade, for a number of months.

Having made contact with their Serbian counterparts, Chelsea are confident that they will be able to announce Markovic's arrival during next month's transfer window, according to the London Evening Standard.

Markovic is then expected to either return to Partizan on a loan basis for the remainder of the season, or join a club from Belgium on a temporary deal.