Liverpool have shown a keen interest in Benfica’s highly rated midfielder Lazar Markovic, who is also a reported target of Chelsea.

The Daily Mail reported in March, that Liverpool have sent chief scout Barry Hunter to Ireland to watch Serbia’s 2-1 win over Republic of Ireland, in which Markovic played 75 minutes.

Markovic has had a great season with Benfica and has a contract till 2018. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reports that Liverpool were told to pay at least €35m to enter into any negotiation.

Chelsea on the other hand can sign him for only €15m, as the London club have a close association with Benfica.

Read this wonderful article from Sport Witness about Markovic.

Liverpool have exceeded all expectations this season and will play in the Champions League next season. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be looking to add quality players to the side and might take an interest in Markovic, but the price seems too high for a 20-year-old midfielder.

On the other hand, Chelsea have an avalanche of midfield stars on their ranks and hard to see where would Markovic fit in the side, if they indeed go for him.