Liverpool: Marko Grujić receives farewell message as Red Star Belgrade exit looms

Red Star Belgrade prodigy Marko Grujić appears to be on the brink of completing a move to Liverpool after former Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov wished him luck in becoming the Serbian Steven Gerrard on Instagram.

The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with moves to major clubs across Europe over the last six months. Until recently, Chelsea were reportedly favourites to sign the midfielder but Liverpool and Inter Milan have both moved ahead of the Blues in the race for his signature.

Amid reports from the Liverpool Echo suggesting Jurgen Klopp's side are poised to complete a £5m deal and make him their first addition of the January transfer window, Bojinov, who plays for Red Star's fierce rivals Partizan, has wished the youngster well ahead of an imminent move. "From my heart I wish all the best and become the Serbian Gerrard," the former Manchester City striker wrote.

Earlier this month, Grujic confirmed a meeting with Liverpool officials had taken place.

"I'll be sure to respect the club and the fans, but again I think that for myself I have to choose the best environment where I will get the chance to work with good coaches in good conditions," he was quoted as saying by Serbian outlet Mozzart Sport. "Something could happen but surely I am staying here until the end of qualifying for the Champions League. We had a talk with Liverpool but I did not make agreement. I am still a Red Star player."

Inter Milan also remain in the race for the teenager, with Inter assistant coach and former midfielder Dejan Stankovic potentially playing a decisive role in convincing his countryman to move to the San Siro.

"He [Stankovic] called me three weeks ago and Tuesday we will talk after the game against Slovenia. He told me to continue like this because Inter are following me," Grujic told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "At the end of the season I will go to Milan to talk to them [Inter]. It is a possible destination."