Liverpool outcast Lazar Markovic is target for Lokomotiv Moscow
Liverpool outcast Lazar Markovic is a target for Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow.
Markovic has been unable to revive his Anfield career this season and Lokomotiv are one of several European clubs exploring the possibility of a loan move.
The 23-year-old, signed from Benfica for £20 million in 2014, has spent the last two years on loan at a variety of clubs including Fenerbahce, Sporting Lisbon and Hull City.
Despite Liverpool being willing to entertain offers, they have been unable to strike a permanent deal at the end of those loans. Now Markovic’s representatives have informed the club that Lokomotiv are the most realistic proposition before the end of this transfer window. He has not featured at all for Liverpool in this campaign.
Daniel Sturridge, meanwhile, continues to train as normal at Melwood. He is considering his next career move aware of plentiful interest at home and abroad, but waiting to see who meets Liverpool's terms. The Merseyside club is adamant any loan move must include all of Sturridge's salary, in excess of £100,000 a week. There is no rush at Anfield to conclude a deal.
Jurgen Klopp is happy for Sturridge to stay for the rest of the season. Sturridge was in a similar situation a year ago but stayed to play a pivotal role in helping Liverpool finish in the top four.
Although Inter Milan have been in negotiations, Sturridge appears to be waiting for Sevilla to make a realistic offer. It is understood he would prefer the challenge of Spanish football.
The striker could yet be included in the Liverpool squad to face West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup this weekend as Klopp is sure to make some changes in view of a trip to Huddersfield on Tuesday, and the visit of Tottenham Hotspur the following weekend.
Despite losing his place to Loris Karius, Simon Mignolet has little prospect of being allowed to leave before the end of the month.
Liverpool have no plans to buy a new goalkeeper in January and Klopp wants two experienced keepers to choose from, particularly with the Champions League last 16 ties imminent.
Mignolet is considering his long-term future following his demotion, but such decisions will have to be delayed until the end of the season.
