Liverpool Set to Complete £25m Move for Benfica Star Lazar Markovic

Liverpool are reportedly close to completing their fourth signing of the summer with a £25m deal for Benfica's Lazar Markovic imminent, according to the Telegraph.

The Reds are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League and Markovic will mark their fourth signing of the summer. They have already added England duo Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana and also Germany U21 international Emre Can.

Liverpool are also on the verge of losing star forward Luis Suarez to Barcelona and are looking to spend the £63m windfall they will receive on some quality replacements. The arrival of the Benfica winger might signal the end of Brendan Rodgers' interest in Alexis Sanchez, a player he wanted included in the deal that will take the Uruguayan to the Catalan club.

Reports in Portugal claim that Liverpool have met Markovic's release clause and the deal is going to be completed and announced in the very near future.

The Serbian international, who only moved to Benfica last summer from Partizan Belgrade, had an impressive season in his first campaign in Portugal. He also helped the Portuguese club reclaim the league title from arch rivals Porto and reach the Europa League finals, which they lost to La Liga club Sevilla.

The Mirror reports that Chelsea had a first refusal clause inserted in Markovic's contract during the time of his transfer from Partizan, but seem to have rejected a chance to activate it. However, the player is said to prefer a move to Anfield as he will have a better chance at playing first team football.

Meanwhile, the Merseyside club are also said to be close to completing a deal for Lille forward Divock Origi with a fee said to be in the region of £10m, according to the BBC.

The 19-year-old striker came into the limelight after a wonderful performance in Belgium's run to the quarter-finals in the ongoing World Cup in Brazil this summer.

The Lille forward made his first senior start when he came off the bench to replace Romelu Lukaku. He also scored his first goal, which was a winner against Russia in their second group game.