LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 18, 2015: The Liverpool FC badge during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 1st leg match against Besiktas JK at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda) (General Pic)

Liverpool agree £5 million deal for midfielder Marko Grujic

Liverpool have agreed a five-year deal for Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic, with the 19-year-old expected on Merseyside this week.

The confirmation of the deal is reported in the Liverpool Echo, arriving the morning after Liverpool’s miserable 3-0 defeat at newly promoted Watford – anyone would think the club wanted some positive PR to mask over the abject result.

The fee for the 19-year-old, who will be loaned to current club Red Star Belgrade until the end of the season, is £5 million. Red Star will receive 10% sell-on clause should he leave Liverpool in the future.

Reports last week explained how Inter Milan had been keen on securing the highly-rated midfielder but a phone call from manager Jurgen Klopp seemingly secured the deal for the Reds.

Klopp’s assistant, Zeljko Buvac, as well as the manager himself are reportedly admirers of Grujic’s mix of athleticism and power.

In terms of his style of play, Grujic is able to break up play in the middle of the park looks to trouble the opposition’s penalty area whenever possible.

Grujic will complete his medical on Merseyside this week, then return to Belgrade for the rest of the Serbian season. Liverpool will receive a £730,000 fee for the loan.

A solid signing for the future, but Liverpool fans will be hoping for new additions to improve the squad in January given the dismal performances of late.

Get the full lowdown on Grujic here