Transfer news: Liverpool closing on Benfica's Lazar Markovic, according to reports

Lazar Markovic: Winger could be heading for Liverpool

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of winger Lazar Markovic from Benfica, according to reports in Portugal.

The Reds reportedly made a bid of around £19.8million on Saturday night which was accepted by Benfica, although there has been no official confirmation from either club.

Chelsea reportedly have an option to match Liverpool's bid for the 20-year-old Serbia international, but they have apparently shown no interest at this stage.

Markovic, who has made 12 appearances for Serbia, joined Benfica from Partizan Belgrade just over a year ago and made a big impression last season.

If he moves to Anfield he will join Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Emre Can as new arrivals at the club this summer as speculation grows that Luis Suarez will leave for Barcelona.