Lazar Markovic is likely to leave Liverpool before the transfer window closes next week, although a season-long loan is more likely than a permanent move.

The winger failed to make the most of a full pre-season on Merseyside as he attempted to forge a future for himself under Jürgen Klopp.

He featured minimally throughout pre-season, and struggled to make an impact in the minutes in which he did appear, with Klopp unconvinced he can challenge for a role in his squad throughout the new season.

As such, he hasn't been in any of their matchday squads for their first three games of the campaign and is likely to miss out on the trip to Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday.

The 22-year-old, whose loan spell with Fenerbahce last term was wrecked by niggling injuries, has now been made available for a temporary move away once more.

Markovic joined from Benfica two years ago in a £20 million move but despite scoring three goals in 34 appearances in his first season with the club, but was allowed to leave for Turkey the following summer.

Liverpool awaiting Markovic loan offers

Markovic in action against Barcelona in pre-season, where he grabbed an assist in a 4-0 win. (Picture: Getty Images)
Markovic in action against Barcelona in pre-season, where he grabbed an assist in a 4-0 win. (Picture: Getty Images)

In Istanbul, he scored two goals in 20 appearances for Fenerbahce, and it is hoped another loan move could benefit the player's development more than irregular run-outs at Anfield.

A number of clubs are thought to be interested in Markovic, who has long been linked with a move away, including AC Milan - though it is not known whether they would be interested in a loan deal or a permanent transfer.

The Serbia international is not the only player who could leave the club before the window closes, with Mamadou Sakho and Mario Balotelli closing in on moves away.

The centre-back is available for loan and is interesting fellow Premier League outfit Stoke City, while Balotelli has attracted interest from OGC Nice and Palermo.

It's thought that though the Italian striker held talks with Nice on Friday after his absence from the club's Melwood training ground, but is more interested in a move back to his homeland.

La Gazzetta dello Sport report the Serie A side's president as saying they have made Balotelli an offer to which they are awaiting a response 

Gianfranco Micciche is said to have called the striker's arrival a "very fascinating proposition" but a "very difficult operation" at the same time. He said that the club are "trying" to pull off a "great coup" which would be a "gift for all of the fans."

"We've made an offer and now the ball is in Liverpool and he player's court," he added, saying that Balotelli's "salary is high" and he "has a pool of sponsors" so it is "not an easy solution."

But he declared that Palermo "could be just the right place" for Balotelli, who would be "adored" at the club because a player of his stature would be welcomed "with open arms" and "would be a dream for Palermo" where he "could be the leader" of their team.

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.