Report: Hertha Berlin leading race for Grujic signature

Hertha Berlin are leading the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic according to reports.

The Serbian international has spent the last two seasons on loan at the Bundesliga club, but the Reds have given every indication that they are willing to cash in on the 23 year-old during this transfer window.

While being in the box seat to hold on to Grujic, Hertha have indicated they are keen for another loan spell with a obligation to buy next summer, something that Liverpool are not interested in.

The report from Goal states that a number of clubs are also hovering if the two teams cannot come to a permanent agreement.

Bundesliga rivals Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Moenchengladbach are also said to be keen while impressive Italian outfit Atalanta have also said to have made enquiries.

Closer to home and Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have shown an interest with the South London club reportedly making contact with Grujic’s agent.

The defensive midfielder has all the physical attributes in that position, but he has a knack of picking up injuries at the most inopportune of times.

When he has been fit, he has impressed with his one-time manager and Hertha legend Pal Dárdai saying this about him.

“I've been at Hertha for 22 years.

“This isn't meant as an insult to anyone else, but Marko is by far the best midfielder I've seen in my time at the club.

“I was a defensive midfielder and managed to score 17 goals, which isn't bad.

“But Marko carries much more of a goal threat, he's got a sensational shot on him and is much better than I was [...] He can play anywhere in midfield.

“He's got so much potential, and you can see that out on the pitch. He's so robust in the middle of the park, but he can still play. 

“He's good in the air, he wins tackles and has got such a strong desire to win. I can only say: 'respect'. 
 

Grujic is currently in Austria with the Reds and could well make a appearance in their first pre-season outing against Stuttgart this afternoon.

Speaking in January, the first signing of the Klopp revolution in 2016, admitted that he was realistic about his prospects of breaking into star-studded Liverpool lineup.

“I know it’s going to be tough.

“I’m not stupid, I know that Liverpool right now are an unbelievable team, the best team in the world. 

“So, I know that I have to be at a very high level if I want to have a chance. 

“Next season, who knows, hopefully I am ready to jump up with the team. 

“That is what I hope for.”