Neil Warnock wants permanent deal for Liverpool's Marko Grujic

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has confirmed his interest in signing Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic on a permanent deal following his loan spell at the club.

The 22-year-old was loaned to the Bluebirds for the latter half of the 2017-18 season, and made 13 Championship appearances for the club in their successful bid for promotion.

Warnock told reporters that a deal is close to being made, but said that his side could sign another player instead, should the move fall through.

"If not Marko, [we want] somebody like that. We're still optimistic and we should know within the next few days on that one," said Warnock in a press conference. "I'm constantly in touch with [Grujic], still optimistic but we've also found a back-up as well, which we're trying to hold on to for another few days, just in case.

"I'll be disappointed if I don't get Marko but it won't be the end of the world. I'm looking at a permanent deal and I'm also looking at the loan market. But I want Marko first."

Warnock has made four additions to his squad so far this summer – Josh Murphy, Bobby Reid, Alex Smithies and Greg Cunningham – ahead of their return to the top flight.