Red Star Belgrade are launching a bid for Melbourne Heart striker Eli Babalj.

Red Star officials are convinced of wrapping up a deal for the Australia U23 international, with the Serbian giants confident of announcing the youngster as their first signing for the summer market.

Babalj is regarded as Australia's brightest attacking talent to emerge since former Middlesbrough and Leeds United striker Mark Viduka.

He has admitted he comes from a family of Red Star Belgrade diehards, though also has a soft spot for Manchester United.

Intermediaries have also asked Heart about Babalj's Australia U23 teammate Aziz Behich.