Slobodan Rajkovic is hopeful that he will soon be granted a work permit to begin his career with Chelsea.
Serbian star desperate to begin Chelsea career
Slobodan Rajkovic is hopeful that he will soon be granted a work permit to begin his career with Chelsea.
Rajkovic signed for Chelsea in 2005 when aged just 16, and the Blues paid some £4million for him - a world record at the time for somebody under 18.
Unable to get a work permit to play in England, the central defender has spent the past four seasons on loan in Holland with PSV Eindhoven, FC Twente and Vitesse Arnhem.
Now Chelsea are hoping that the 22-year-old, who now has eight full caps for Serbia, will be granted the permit that will enable him to play for them.
Rajkovic is understood to have impressed new boss Andre Villas-Boas and is one reason they have not signed a defender this summer as they hope to use him.
After playing for Serbia against Russia last week, Chelsea are understood to have made their latest effort to secure a permit.
Desire
And Rajkovic is hopeful he will get the permission to play for Chelsea, telling
Sportske: "The first steps towards me staying in Chelsea is a work permit.
"The procedure has not started yet, because I have waited to sign a new contract.
"I would stay with Chelsea, even if I struggled to get on the bench. My greatest desire is to stay in London."
Rajkovic admitted that he was enjoying working with Villas-Boas, adding: "I am especially grateful to the coach, he has given me my first chance since I arrived at the club.
"I have a great desire to prove myself, all my team-mates have accepted me and it is a pleasure to play and train with them.
"There is the option to back somewhere on loan."
French option
Valenciennes are continuing to wait on Rajkovic's work permit, with the French club's coach Daniel Sanchez commenting: "I am a little worried.
"We are getting nowhere. I am convinced he remains the best option. Either he will extend and come on loan, or we could imagine a transfer.
"But it is not a priority case for Chelsea so they have us in their power."
