Liverpool on the verge of completing deal for midfielder Marko Grujic

Liverpool are set to secure their first player in the January transfer window as Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic's deal is on the verge of completion. Chairman Ian Ayre has flown to Belgrade to get the deal over the line, as Jurgen Klopp will assess his squad to pose a challenge for a top four spot.

According to the Mirror, the deal will be worth around £5m ($8m) and the player will be sent back on loan to Red Star, who are in a precarious situation financially. The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising emerging stars in world football at this point, and has had enquiries from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan. However, Liverpool came out trumps for his signature and will be hoping that the player can fulfil his potential with the Reds in the near future.

Grujic has revealed that he is waiting on a confirmation from Liverpool regarding his future, but insists that he will not back away from a move which could be pivotal in carving his progression. A transfer to Anfield would be a major decision for the teenager, however, he is confident that he can overcome all problems to make a name for himself in the Premier League.

"I'll try to respect the club, the fans and the general public, but again I think that for myself I have to choose the best environment where I get the chance to play and where I work with good coaches in good conditions," Grujic said.

"It is certain that I remain here until the end of qualifying for the Champions League. I had a talk with Liverpool but I did not receive yet any agreement. I'm still a Red Star player."

Meanwhile, Klopp has refused to go all out in the market and buy players for the sake of it, stating that he has faith in his current crop to take them all the way. The Reds are going through a crisis of sorts on the injury front in defence, with four players currently sidelined with long and short-term setbacks. Joe Gomez, Jon Flanagan, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho are all nursing knocks.