Liverpool remain keen on Grujic transfer
Liverpool remain keen to sign highly-rated Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic - but no deal is yet in place.
Reports in Serbia today suggested that a £4.4million move had been agreed with a Reds contingent flying in to finalise the transfer.
However, the ECHO understands that is not the case with Liverpool still involved in a battle to secure his signature.
Anfield officials held productive talks with the Serbia Under-21s international some 10 days ago and they remain hopeful of beating off competition from Inter Milan to snap up the youngster.
Any deal would involve the 19-year-old staying at Red Star until the end of the season as he’s committed to ensuring they qualify for the Champions League.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is a big admirer of Grujic, who is currently weighing up his options, and his progress has also been closely monitored by Reds assistant manager and fellow countryman Zeljko Buvac.
Grujic’s parents have expressed concerns about the manner in which Serbian duo Milan Jovanovic and Lazar Markovic both struggled to adjust to life at Anfield.
But Liverpool are hoping that the chance to play under Klopp, who has a proven track record of developing exciting young players with potential, will convince him to head for Anfield.
Cash-strapped Serbian Super League leaders Red Star are resigned to selling their big asset, who has scored five goals so far this season.
Asked about his future last week, Grujic said: “I’ll try to respect the club, the fans and the general public, but again I think that for myself I have to choose the best environment where I get the chance to play and where I work with good coaches in good conditions.
“It is certain that I remain here until the end of qualifying for the Champions League. I had a talk with Liverpool but I did not receive yet any agreement. I’m still a Red Star player.”
Grujic came up through the ranks at Red Star’s youth academy and made his first-team debut at the age of 17 in May 2013.
He has since gone on to become a firm fans’ favourite and has helped Red Star build a commanding 22-point lead at the top of the table this season.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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