Hertha Berlin linked with Marko Grujic but Liverpool must consider him as James Milner replacement next season

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Hertha Berlin are ready to commence talks with Liverpool over the possibility of keeping Marko Grujic permanently, according to reports in Germany.

German media outlet Kicker – via Buli News – reports that Hertha BSC boss Michael Preetz is desperate to keep Grujic beyond his loan spell.

The young midfielder is halfway through his season-long loan spell in Germany and he has scored twice in 10 games for Hertha.

Since his 2016 move to Liverpool, Grujic has only managed 14 appearances for the club, as well as 14 out on loan at Cardiff City.

But nonetheless, Jurgen Klopp should not be too hasty in deciding Grujic’s long-term future.

The Serbia international is progressing well at Hertha and could return to Liverpool ready to make an impression on the first-team.

The left-footed central midfielder could even be a direct replacement for James Milner if the veteran Englishman leaves in the summer.

Milner is out of contract at the end of this season and he might be departing Anfield as a free agent.

If Milner goes, Klopp has to consider Grujic as a potential replacement in midfield. Grujic would then have pre-season to prove why he can be Liverpool’s answer in that department.

Even though Hertha want Grujic permanently, he still could have a role to play at Liverpool in the future so the Reds must hold onto him for now.