The Serbian is open to dropping down to the Championship for a restart as Rafael Benitez’s side look to go above and beyond in convincing him to join them

EXCLUSIVE

Liverpool's Lazar Markovic is considering an approach from Newcastle United as he looks to resurrect his career in England, Goal understands.

The 22-year-old has fielded plenty of enquiries from abroad, most notably from Sporting Lisbon who were prepared to pay £16 million to sign him permanently.

The Serbian was not interested in returning to Portugal, where he celebrated a treble with Benfica, while Schalke and AC Milan also explored the possibility of recruiting him.

Markovic is Rafael Benitez’s first-choice option to strengthen his attack out wide ahead of West Brom winger Callum McManaman, and the three-time SuperLiga winner is open to dropping down to the Championship for a restart.

Newcastle are prepared to go above and beyond to convince the player to make the switch to St James' Park, either on loan or on a long-term deal.

Given Sporting were willing to part with £16m for Markovic, Liverpool will count that figure as his valuation for a permanent move.

Meanwhile, Luis Alberto's €5m transfer to Lazio and Andre Wisdom's season-long shift to RB Salzburg are both nearing completion.