If reports are to believed then Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hasn’t included winger Lazar Markovic in his grand plans next season as the Serbian failed to impress yet again last season. The Reds are now apparently willing to incur a loss to dispose of him this summer.
Liverpool bought the player for £20 million back in 2014 from Portuguese side Benfica when he was at the top of his form. And now they are willing to take as little as £12 million to let go of him, taking a hit of £8 million.
Since joining the side, the winger has been on loan at three different clubs- Sporting CP, Hull City and Fenerbahce- failing to make any mark whatsoever. However, Liverpool still expect to get their asking price for him, because he is only 23 and has a window for improvement in the next few years.
Here are three clubs, who could make a move for the winger-
Newcastle United:
The Magpies are desperate to have more reinforcements on their flanks and they would take it in any form- even Markovic. Rafa Benitez is known to get the best out of his players and Markovic just might find his hidden potential at the St. James’ Park.
Following the departure of Yoan Gouffran despite the Toon finishing as Championship leaders, Benitez has been caught off guard. The Spaniard had also tried to get Andros Townsend last winter but nothing could materialise. Now with Markovic available at a cut price deal, they might not want to miss him.
Watford:
Manager Marco Silva has been an admirer of the forward since his loan stint with Hull City last season. The Portuguese manager had taken him on a temporary basis for the second half of the season, and Markovic did come in handy. Although he could only provide two assists and the Tigers were eventually relegated at the end of the season, Silva still believes in his potential. However, while the Watford boss wants him on a temporary basis yet again, the Reds would settle for nothing less than a sale.
Derby County:
A surprise option but definitely feasible. The Rams had to part ways with two of their most creative players in the attacking third, Tom Ince and Will Hughes, and manager Gary Rowett is yet to make the necessary addition to his flank. Ince’s move to Huddersfield Town has left a huge gap on his right wing. The 25-year-old had scored a whopping 14 goals and registered eight assists last season and if not a like for like replacement, Markovic could be a decent addition to the side.
