Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to give Lazar Markovic a chance next season

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that he will give Lazar Markovic a chance to prove himself in pre-season.

The winger joined the Reds from Benfica for £20m in 2014, but failed to perform and was subsequently loaned out to Fenerbahce at the start of this season.

The Serbia international has returned to England with injury, and Klopp has not ruled out welcoming the winger back into the squad for the 2016-17 campaign.

"I will say at the start of pre-season, 'welcome, and then it's up to you'," Klopp told reporters. "That is how it is in football, it is a long pre-season and if he wants to come back to Liverpool on July 2, then you are welcome.

"We are short on wingers. Everybody who is involved in pre-season can have a part to play next season. We need a big squad because of the European Championships. Pre-season is a long time to show what you have and then after this we'll make decisions."

Markovic has scored two goals in 20 appearances in all competitions for the Turkish club this season.