Liverpool FC are chasing Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujić as they line up a £5 million deal for the 19-year-old, after he admitted to having talks with the Premier League outfit.
The highly-rated young Serbian has been a key part of Red Star's title challenge this season, helping himself to five goals and five assists and has understandably attracted scouts from clubs across Europe.
Jürgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of the Serbian U21 international and has already approached the youngster over a move to Anfield - though Grujić has publicly stated his desire to delay his decision until the end of the Serbian SuperLiga season.
But privately, the Reds have held "progressive talks" according to the Liverpool ECHO, over the prospect of penning a contract on Merseyside - with Klopp's assistant manager Zeljko Buvac - who is of the same nationality of the player - believed to have watched him closely.
Various European clubs, including Inter Milan, Roma and Chelsea are thought to be considering a move for Grujić - who plans to see out the rest of the campaign at Red Star despite Liverpool's interest in signing him in the January transfer window.
Grujić hints at interest in Liverpool switch despite committing near future to Red Star
Red Star currently sit at the top of the table with an unbeaten record, winning 18 of their 20 games with only a further 12 remaining - but he wants to secure Champions League football before leaving the club.
Grujić has been an integral part of Red Star's success after they made their best ever start to a season earlier this year. He scored twice in their 7-2 away win at Cukaricki on Sunday, where a number of Liverpool representatives were watching and held talks with the player afterwards, having been granted permission.
The teenager, also a part of the Serbia Under-20 squad which won the World Cup in New Zealand in June, made his debut back in 2013 at just 17 years old after coming through the club's Academy ranks and was hailed as a "leader" of the team who pulls them forward by his manager, Miodrag Božović.
Under contract until 2018, Grujić addressed rumours over his future by saying he will "try to respect the club, the fans and the general public" despitea dmitting he wants to choose "the best environment" where he can "get the chance to play" and "work with good coaches in good conditions."
He declared it as "certain" that he will remain with Red Star "until the end of qualifying for the Champions League" but acknowledged that he has had talks with Liverpool, despite not receiving "any agreement" - stating he is "still a Red Star player."