Lazar Markovic has just become Liverpool's latest recruit, joining from Benfica earlier this month, but he very nearly joined Chelsea instead. Reports suggest the Blues had an option on the up-and-coming winger, that meant they could have signed him for £11 million rather than the £20 million the Reds ended up paying. The Blues tried to exercise that clause, but were shunned by Markovic who felt a move to Anfield would guarantee him more playing time and was concerned he was destined for the bench at Stamford Bridge. The Serbian midfielder had previously been invited to the Bridge for a tour, interestingly enough, during which he ate a meal with several members of Chelsea's squad who attempted to woo him to the club. However, it was ultimately not enough to get him over the line and the Londoners were left disappointed when Liverpool proved successful in the race for his signature earlier this summer.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
