Markovic ‘open’ to Newcastle loan switch – report

Sarah Winterburn

Lazar Markovic is ‘considering an approach from Newcastle United’ and is open to dropping into the Championship to resurrect his career, according to Goal.

The Serbian has been made available for loan by Liverpool and has not even made the bench for the Reds’ opening games in the Premier League or League Cup.

He is apparently the subject of a £16m move from Sporting Lisbon, but is not interested in a return to Portugal after winning the domestic title with Benfica.

According to Goal, ‘Markovic is Rafael Benitez’s first-choice option to strengthen his attack out wide ahead of West Brom winger Callum McManaman’ and the prospect of working under a Champions League-winning manager may well appeal to Brendan Rodgers’ £20m signing.

In other unwanted Liverpool player news, Luis Alberto is on the verge of a £6m move to Lazio while Liverpool are still trying to offload Premier League title winner Mario Balotelli.