Lawrenson: Liverpool's Attacking Football Made Lazar Markovic Snub Chelsea

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson claims the Reds' attacking style of play saw their latest summer signing Lazar Markovic snub Chelsea.

The Serbian international arrived at Anfield earlier this month from Benfica to become Brendan Rodgers' fourth signing of the ongoing transfer window. Before joining the Merseyside club's league rivals, Chelsea too were reportedly interested in Markovic.

The deal took place just days after Liverpool confirmed the sale of their star striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

Lawrenson says the Uruguayan international's departure took away the limelight from Markovic's signing. The former Reds defender also believes the 20-year-old's versatility will help him fit into Liverpool's fluid system.

"He [Markovic] could quite easily have gone to Chelsea but he can see the brand of attacking football here at Liverpool," Lawrenson told the Liverpool Echo.

"The player will have seen that and it will have been the biggest attraction for him because he knows he will flourish in this team. At just 20, he fits the bill and his flexibility means he will thrive in the fluid system of football here.

"That deal was done so soon after Suarez left and that's credit to the team upstairs. It wasn't publicised massively at the time but the buyout clause for Suarez was actually a very shrewd bit of business," he said.

Lawrenson is delighted that Rodgers has decided to include several youngsters in the squad. The Anfield favourite also admitted that Jordan Ibe has caught his eye and is hopeful that the youngster will shine for the Reds' first team.

"The squad set-off for their tour of the USA today and I was delighted to see there are plenty of youngsters set to feature. One in particularly has caught my eye though," the former Liverpool defender said.

"Jordan Ibe is a player I've seen a couple of times now and people at the club believe that out of all young players at the club he is as good as any. There is a real belief the 18-year-old has a real chance of making it. But I hope he appreciates the opportunity he has going on this tour," he added.