Atletico Madrid told to pay €40m for Liverpool midfielder

Atletico Madrid have earmarked Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic as a transfer target this summer but have been quoted €40m (£34.7m) for his signature, claims ESPN.

Grujic has made a real impression during a season-long loan spell with Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin but it remains unclear whether he has a long-term future at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

The Serbia international last made a Premier League appearance for Liverpool in December 2017 before spending the remainder of that season on loan at Cardiff.

Liverpool are well stacked in midfield and Grujic faces the prospect of another loan spell out next season unless the Premier League leaders can find a buyer.

Grujic’s performances in Germany have caught the attention of Atletico, who are bracing themselves for a big money offer for defensive midfielder Rodrigo from Manchester City this summer.

Atletico only re-signed Rodrigo last summer but the Spanish midfielder is reportedly keen to join City and now Diego Simeone’s side are drafting a list of potential replacements.

If Atletico have turned their attention to Grujic in the hope of landing a bargain deal then they will have to go back to the drawing board, as Liverpool want €40m for the 23-year-old.

Grujic is Hertha Berlin’s highest WhoScored rated player in the Bundesliga this season (7.28) and has scored four goals and provided one assist from 19 league appearances. The commanding midfielder also has an impressive aerial duel success rate of 65.3%.