Marković makes Liverpool switch from Benfica

Liverpool FC have a major asset on their hands after signing SL Benfica's Serbian international prodigy Lazar Marković on what the club say is a "long-term deal".

Following last week's departure of Luis Suárez to FC Barcelona, the Reds have paid a reported €25.2m for the 20-year-old winger, who links up with fellow summer recruits Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Emre Can at Anfield.

"I am very happy that I have joined such a great club," he told the Liverpool website. "I hope I will fulfil the expectations of the supporters, coaches, players and all connected to the club. I have seen what the players are like, I have seen what the supporters are like, and I cannot wait to start playing here."

Marković lit up the Portuguese Liga after swapping FK Partizan for Benfica last June. Technically proficient, tactically astute and lightning-quick, he dazzled out wide and up front, registering seven times in all competitions as Benfica completed a magnificent treble. Many predicted the Eagles would have gone one better by beating Sevilla FC in the UEFA Europa League final had Marković not been suspended.

On the international scene, Marković starred at Under-17 and U21 levels before receiving full honours against Armenia on 28 February 2012, three days before his 18th birthday. He opened his Serbia account nine months later, exhibiting strength and determination to head in at the back post during a 3-1 friendly defeat of Chile. He has now scored twice in 13 senior appearances.