Chelsea target among Serbian youngsters who could star in England
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Marko Grujic has been linked to Chelsea for a while now, with the 19-year-old midfielder viewed as one of the most impressive young talents in Europe.
The rumour is gathering steam during the international window, following Grujic’s claim that his compatriot Nemanja Matic told him the Blues want to sign him.
Serbia, and in particular Red Star Belgrade, have been stepping up their youth policy in recent years, highlighted by the nation’s success in the 2015 Under 20s World Cup.
Here are the members of that squad that could make an impact in the Premier League:
Marko Grujic
The current object of Chelsea’s affections, the Red Star man has grown up quickly to become the heart of the midfield in Belgrade.
He played more of a supporting role in the U20 triumph, largely having to make do with substitute appearances and starts in group matches, but since then has gone on to score four goals for his club.
Vukasin Jovanovic
Another product of the Red Star academy, the defender became a bit of a hero in his homeland after his emotional celebration during the World Cup victory.
A key component of the solid Serbian backline that only let in four goals through the entire competition, he is now a guaranteed starter at Red Star Belgrade.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
The star of the success in New Zealand, Savic went on to win the Bronze Ball at the tournament and earned himself a move to the Serie A with Lazio.
He’s played 11 times for the Rome club, scoring once, and despite being only 20 years old is already adapting well to life in Italy.
Predrag Rajkovic
Captaining his nation to success wasn’t the goalkeeper’s only reward at the competition, as he was also awarded the Golden Gloves.
A surprise move to Maccabi Tel Aviv followed, where the former Red Star man has continued to flourish, and he could be looking to continue his momentum up European football’s ladder.
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