Chelsea linked with Slovakia star

Chelsea have been linked with Slovakia forward Marek Hamsik.

He has been overlooked by Napoli boss Rafael Benitez, leading to speculation about his future under the former Chelsea interim manager.

French club Paris St-Germain are also said to be interested in the player.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are monitoring Benfica’s highly-rated attacking midfielder Lazar Markovic, according to the Evening Standard.

They could reportedly buy him for £12.5m and plan to watch Markovic, 20, in action against Tottenham in the Europa League on Thursday.

And Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has again dismissed reports linking him with a possible move to Real Madrid.

“I have denied the Real Madrid rumours in three or four languages,” Courtois, currently on loan at Atletico Madrid, told French television.

“Everyone knows they say those things to try to unsettle the [Atletico] team, but it does not affect us.

“I have contract with Atletico until 31 June and then two more years with Chelsea. I do not think they want to sell me.”