Liverpool transfer news: Reds midfielder Marko Grujic subject of Lazio interest

That’s according to the .

The 22-year-old has made just 14 first-team appearances for the Reds since moving to the club in the summer of 2016 after a £5.1million deal with Red Star Belgrade was sealed six months earlier.

The Serbian international - who will hope to star for his country at the World Cup in Russia this summer - was sent on loan to Cardiff City for the second half of last season.

He made 14 appearances, scoring one goal, as the South Wales club were promoted to the Premier League automatically courtesy of finishing second in the Championship.

Grujic remains highly rated on Merseyside but also elsewhere, with the Mirror saying that Serie A side Lazio are preparing a £5m offer for the youngster - whose chances of consistent football at Liverpool in the immediate future appear uncertain.

No indication has been given as to whether Grujic will be allowed to leave on a permanent deal, but competition is fierce in Liverpool’s midfield.

While Emre Can is to leave Anfield, Liverpool welcome new recruits Fabinho and Naby Keita to add further options.

That’s alongside Klopp’s current selection; captain Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - although the latter is out injured until around November.

Lazio, who will play Europa League football next term, have familiar faces in the centre of the pitch with ex-Liverpool man Lucas Leiva having recently been crowned Player of the Year after his debut season at the Stadio Olimpico

His midfield partner, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, won the U20 World Cup in New Zealand with Grujic in 2015 as well as the 2013 U19 Euros and has since blossomed into one of the best in his position in Europe.

Grujic’s current contract at Liverpool runs out in June 2020 and Jurgen Klopp may offer the player a chance to impress in pre-season, as he did two years ago with three goals including a header against Barcelona at Wembley Stadium.

Dean Lovren said of Grujic back in April: “Going from the Serbian league to Premier League was a big step for him so I think the first year-and-a-half was about adaptation.

"Hopefully he will be fine for next season to play a big role here because I know the manager is thinking about him for the future.”

Recently-promoted Fulham have also been linked with Grujic, although only for a loan spell - a proposition which is likely to be far more attractive to Liverpool given his long-term promise.

Neil Warnock’s Cardiff could also look at bringing towering midfielder Grujic back to the Bluebirds next term.