Benfica sign Serbia's Markovic

File Photo: Lazar Markovic

Young Serbia forward Lazar Markovic, a league-title winner with Partizan Belgrade last season, has signed a five-year deal with Benfica, the Portuguese club have announced.

“I know that I can develop and succeed in the Benfica team,” the 19-year-old winger said on the web site of the Primeira Liga runners-up.

No further details of the transfer were given.

Markovic will join his compatriots Nemanja Matic and Filip Djuricic at the Portuguese club.

Matic arrived in Portugal in 2011 and was a revelation last season, while attacking midfielder Djuricic has recently signed from Dutch club Heerenveen for six million euros ($7.9 million, £5.1 million).

Portuguese media have said that Benfica were set to sign another Serbia international, 24-year-old forward Miralem Sulejmani, from Ajax.

Benfica were looking for a historic treble last season but were pipped at the post by Porto on the penultimate match of the season, then lost the Europa League final against Chelsea and Portuguese Cup final against Vitoria de Guimaraes.