Potential Chelsea transfer target Marko Grujic confirms Liverpool 'talk'

A bit more than a month ago, reports began to emerge that Chelsea were interested in the next Serbian wonderkid on the block, Marko Grujic, a 19-year-old central midfielder dubbed as 'the next Nemanja Matic' (of 2014). Not long after, did news of a bid submitted by us follow, and words from the youngster himself, saying he'd prefer to play in Italy first, amidst rumours of Inter Milan and Roma showing interest in him. He even mentioned that Nemanja Matic tipped him off that Chelsea were monitoring his development.

Evidently, he likes keeping the press updated on his career plans and did so yet again, by mentioning that he was most recently in talks with none other than Liverpool, who were very recently reported to have joined the race for the midfielder.  So much for the nice career plan beginning in Italy.

"It is certain that I remain here until the end of qualifying for the Champions League. I had a talk with Liverpool, but I did not receive yet any agreement. I'm still a Red Star player.

I'll try to respect the club, the fans and the general public, but I think that for myself I have to choose the best environment, where I will get the chance to play and where I work with good coaches in good conditions."

- Marko Grujic

Looks as if we've got a fight on our hands for the young Serb. This might just end up unfolding similar to the transfer of striker Andrej Kramaric, in whom we were interested last season, but he ended up joining Leicester City, in the hope of getting more playing time there. In all fairness, he couldn't possibly have foreseen what would happen next.

One thing is for sure - this isn't the last time we'll hear from Grujic, and this transfer race is still wide open, so watch this space!

Honestly, I wouldn't mind if we gazumped Liverpool's move for the midfielder, if it means we hear Jurgen Klopp say something like this again.