Liverpool confirm signing of Lazar Markovic from Benfica

Serbian winger joins on long-term deal for reported fee of €25m

Liverpool have announced the signing of Serbia winger Lazar Markovic from Benfica.

The 20-year-old has joined for an undisclosed fee, reported to be €25 million, on what the Premier League club describe as a “long-term deal”.

Markovic is Liverpool's fourth new recruit of the summer, following the arrivals of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Emre Can.

Markovic began his professional career with Partizan Belgrade and won successive Serbian titles with them before leaving last summer to join Benfica.

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The 2013/14 season then saw him win a Portuguese treble as well as getting to the Europa League final, where Benfica were beaten by Sevilla.

Regarding his new team, Markovic told liverpoolfc.com: “I am very happy that I have joined such a great club.

“I hope that I will fulfil the expectations of the supporters, coaches, players and all connected to the club.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle expect to formally announce Netherlands international Daryl Janmaat as their fifth summer signing on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Feyenoord full back travelled to Tyneside on Tuesday to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms after the two clubs agreed a fee at the weekend.

It appeared an announcement was imminent with a photograph of the player holding a back and white shirt alongside Magpies manager Alan Pardew appearing on Twitter later the same day.

However, some minor formalities remain to be completed and that means Janmaat will not now be unveiled until Wednesday.

His official arrival will be significant for more than one reason as it is likely to trigger Mathieu Debuchy’s departure for Arsenal.

The Dutchman will become Pardew’s fifth summer signing and the second this week after the captures of Remy Cabella, Siem de Jong, Jack Colback and Ayoze Perez.