Liverpool Transfer News: Lazar Markovic To Boost Attacking Options

Andrew Matthews/EMPICS SportWith Luis Suarez's impending move to Barcelona looking increasingly likely to happen before the summer transfer window closes at the end of August, Liverpool look set to find themselves once more flush with the kind of cash that boosted their coffers when Fernando Torres made his own way out of the club. But rather than looking to the North East for a pony-tailed power-house with an extortionate price-tag, it seems that Brendan Rodgers is looking to invest the money early and smartly, by moving to make Lazar Markovic his fourth summer signing. Hot on the tails of Emre Can, Rickie Lambert, and Adam Lallana, Markovic will complete his move to Anfield this week after a medical, according to Mike Whalley of ESPN FC, who states that the 20-year-old Serbian is "due on Merseyside to put the finishing touches to the transfer" in the "next few days." That contract will be for four years, with a fee in the region of ‚25m, according to The Guardian's Marcus Christenson: https://twitter.com/m_christenson/statuses/486584214092271616 Markovic is exactly the kind of player that Rodgers seems to favour - blindingly pacey, possessing dribbling skills and the confidence to take men on, he can play across the front or on the wing, and he would atone for some of the missing attacking flair that will disappear with Luis Suarez when he leaves, and will in particular work well with the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert as Rodgers looks to add final balls and final products to his side. Last term, Markovic scored 5 goals for Benfica last season, and while Rodgers will want him to chip in with more goals - given that adding more goals from midfield is a major concern for him - the attacker has his best years ahead of him, and he should suit the style of play in the Premier League. He is also a more complete player, offering defensive cover, which will be music to Liverpool fans who saw their team ship far too many goals last year. With him and Lallana - last year's king of turning over possession in the opposition half - potentially in the side, Rodgers looks to be changing the defensive dynamic of his team and protecting from the front. With Merseyside coming to terms with the probable loss of Luis Suarez, this summer's decisions are massive for Rodgers, but if and when this deal goes through, it's a big one for the future of the side. What do you think of the potential signing of Lazar Markovic from Benfica? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.