BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Wednesday, July 12, 2017: Liverpool's substitute Lazar Markovic before a preseason friendly match at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Fiorentina want Lazar Markovic but won’t pay £16 million asking price – reports

Serbian winger Lazar Markovic has reportedly been in talks with Serie A outfit Fiorentina, but the Italians are unimpressed by his price tag.

As Jurgen Klopp continues to re-shape his squad for an assault on four competitions in 2017/18, an amount of reshuffling is to be expected.

In one or two cases along the way a loan spell has been beneficial for players who are welcomed back into the fold—goalkeeper Danny Ward being a case in point—but it seems to be the opposite for Markovic.

Having been at Fenerbahce, Sporting CP and Hull City on temporary stays over the past two campaigns, the former Benfica man has been told he has no Anfield future, with a permanent move now on the cards.

With Mohamed Salah added to offer pace and a goal threat in the wide areas, Philippe Coutinho still a key part of the side and Sadio Mane shining last term, there’s simply no place for Markovic at Anfield any more.

But the Mirror are reporting that, despite serious interest and initial talks being held, Fiorentina simply don’t want to pay the £16m fee that the Reds are expecting to recoup for Markovic.

His displays at Hull last season were somewhat improved, leading to Premier League interest from Watford and Leicester City, so Liverpool feel they remain in a strong position and won’t budge on the valuation.

Along with Mamadou Sakho and potentially one or two others, Markovic is expected to depart this summer one way or another, though it seems his exit will drag on a little while longer yet.

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments