Rumour Mill: Liverpool to price Sporting CP out of Lazar Markovic loan

July 19, 2016
Jack Lusby

Portuguese side Sporting CP are looking to sign Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic on loan this summer, but a move seems unlikely.

Markovic was reportedly made available by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp last week, as without European football he faces too much competition for a starting role in the German’s ranks.

Sporting were among those listed as interested, along with clubs from La Liga and Serie A.

However, with the Primeira Lige challengers only looking to seal a loan deal ahead of 2016/17, his move to rejoin former Benfica manager Jorge Jesus could be off the cards.

That is according to Portuguese outlet Sapo Desporto, who claim that Sporting have baulked at the possibility of signing Markovic on a permanent deal.

With Markovic making the £20 million move to Anfield in 2014, signing a sizeable contract in doing so, Liverpool would require a big-money fee for the 22-year-old Serbian.

Sporting are said to be unwilling to sanction a significant outlay, as well as satisfying the player’s wage demands.

Markovic is currently with Klopp’s squad for pre-season training, and is likely to feature in the Reds’ final domestic friendly clash away to Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night.

The winger laid on Danny Ings‘ opener goal in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic’s DW Stadium, showcasing his delivery from the flanks.

But despite some impressive displays this summer, Markovic could find himself surplus to requirments, vying with Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Sheyi Ojo for a starting berth.

His future may become clearer on the announcement of Liverpool’s squad for their tour of the US, with the Reds set to fly across the Atlantic after their appearance at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Unlike fellow for-sale talents Luis Alberto and Mario Balotelli, who have been left out of Klopp’s matchday squad throughout pre-season, Markovic’s involvement in friendly clashes suggests he could be handed a lifeline by his new manager.

This could be particularly true if Liverpool are unable to agree a permanent move, and with Sporting reportedly dropping out of the race, all eyes will turn to Italy and Spain.