Rumour: Liverpool prepare £25m bid for Chelsea-linked Benfica winger Lazar Markovic

Liverpool are preparing a £25 million bid for Benfica’s unsettled winger Lazar Markovic, according to the Mirror.

The Serbian youngster has enjoyed a sparkling run of form for the Portuguese outfit and attracted a number of admiring glances from a number of European heavyweights as a result.

Merseyside boss Brendan Rodgers has tracked the jet-heeled 20-year-old for a number of months and is keen to secure his signature ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea now that Jorge Jesus’ side have decided to let Markovic leave the club for less than the £30 million they value him at.

Meanwhile, Former Benfica team-mate David Luiz has praised Liverpool and Chelsea target Markovic and insisted that the youngster possesses the quality to succeed at the top level despite his tender years to quash any doubts over the midfielder’s ability.

The Stamford Bridge outfit could yet make a move for Markovic, but reports from the player’s camp seem to suggest that he would prefer a move to Anfield.

Rodgers has made the addition of a midfielder to his squad a priority as he look to strengthen significantly prior to the Reds Champions League campaign next season.

However, if a deal for the Serb is completed, it looks set to end Liverpool’s interest in Southampton star Adam Lallana.Lazar Markovic scored one goal in eight Europa League appearances last season.