Porto are ready to lower Liverpool’s asking price for a permanent deal for midfielder Marko Grujic, according to a report.

Grujic holds the unique distinction of being Jurgen Klopp’s first signing of the German’s tenure at Anfield. The Serb signed up in January 2016, but didn’t join the Reds until July that year. Nonetheless, he still had to face a struggle for a few minutes, playing just 39 in the Premier League in the 2016/17 season. Indeed, he subsequently signed three loans in Cardiff and Hertha Berlin.

Last summer he was loaned to Porto for the season but detailed his “confusion” in the face of the contradictory messages he received bosses of the Reds on his future at the time.

Grujic has largely played another sporadic role in Portugal, but his chances have improved considerably in recent weeks.

In fact, he played an important role in both rounds of the Champions League quarter-final match with Chelsea. In addition, he has completed two 90-minute stints in the last three games.

According to Record (Going through Sport witness), he turned out to be a “ pleasant surprise ” for club leaders with his performances. As such, Grujic and the club begin to change their minds during his permanent stay.

Grujic has ‘shown’ he deserves a long-term role with Porto and the club are now preparing to talk to Liverpool about fees.

Moreover, Porto are said to be convinced they can get a decent price for the midfielder.

Liverpool has not placed a call option in its agreement, with Record stating that Porto turned down the Merseysiders’ asking price of € 23million (£ 20million) last summer.

However, given their willingness to stay, Porto believe they can secure ‘favorable terms’ as Liverpool look to offload the player on the second request.

Liverpool could seek to drop their valuation, given the club’s struggle for funds amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Not only that, but the Reds are said to be on the hunt for a new center-back, with loan star Ozan Kabak and RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate both on their radar.

Carragher and Owen disagree on Liverpool transfers

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen have differing views on how their former team should approach the summer transfer window.

In addition to a central defender, Carragher wants a new midfielder to replace Georginio Wijnaldum and a new challenger at the top.

Owen, however, insists there is no need for a “big overhaul.”

READ MORE: Carragher and Owen disagree on transfers; the former wants a new Liverpool ‘backbone’