Lazar Markovic is all set to stay at Anfield at least until January – despite having not played competitive football for the Reds in more than two years, reports Liverpool Echo.

Markovic was a transfer target for Serie A’s Fiorentina throughout the summer but they were unable to match Liverpool’s asking price. That left Lazar with only a loan option to move out of the exit door. There were reports last week that the Serbian winger could be on his way to Fenerbahce. The Turkish club were interested in getting back a player who played for them in the 2015-16 season on loan.

A season-long loan was once again on the cards but the move failed to materialise before the Turkish transfer window closed last Friday. This means a stay for him at the club at least until the winter transfer window opens, unless he decides to move to Portugal as the transfer window stays open until September 22.

The 23-year-old is not new to the Portuguese League having joined Liverpool in a £20million move from Benfica in 2014. However, his ill-fated stint at the club was blighted by poor form and injuries at crucial junctures.

His last competitive match for the Reds was in May 2015 and has spent his previous two years on loan at Fenerbahce, Sporting Lisbon and Hull City. Markovic arrived at Liverpool amid much fanfare as the fans hoped for bigger things from the Serbian International.

Jurgen Klopp did not include him in the Champions League squad but the Serbian has a place in the 25-man Premier League list for the new season. The 23-year-old continues to train with the first team at Melwood.

Can he be an asset to Klopp? Tough to say if he offers an upgrade on the current squad but with participation in multiple tournaments, the manager could do with an extra body in his squad.

Most of the fans are still not convinced with Markovic and will not be averse to his departure.

Should the club hold on to Lazar Markovic?

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