Liverpool are set to complete the signing of Marko Grujic from Red Star Belgrade, according to reports.

The 19-year-old arrived in Merseyside on Sunday evening ahead of finalising his £5.1m move to Anfield within the next 24 hours.

Jurgen Klopp's first signing will then return to the Serbian club on loan for the rest of the season, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Grujic, a product of Red Star's prolific youth system, intimated that the move was close to completion over the weekend while posting on his Facebook page.

The Serbian-U21 international also attracted interest from Inter, CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg, with the latter clubs offering €10million - more than Liverpool's accepted bid.

Klopp's personal intervention in negotiations, however, is believed to have convinced the young midfielder of a move to Anfield and fought off competition for his signature.

Liverpool will receive €1million (£730,000) back from the deal as a loan fee having allowed Grujic to see out the rest of the season with his current club.

Red Star, who currently sit 25 points clear at the top of the Serbian Super Liga, have also agreed a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Grujic's transfer looked unlikely after reports emerged that his father had confiscated his passport in the belief that a move to Anfield would ruin his son's career.

The 19-year-old has scored five goals so far during Red Star's procession towards the title and was part of the squad which won the Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand back last June.

Source: Independent