Lazar Markovic hits back at Anderlecht president over failed Liverpool exit as he claims ‘money was not the issue’

The out-of-favour midfielder, who has been left out of Jürgen Klopp's Premier league squad this season, called off a move to Belgian side Anderlecht during the transfer window

Liverpool misfit Lazar Markovic has rejected suggestions his last-minute deadline day move to Anderlecht fell through because of money.

The Serbia international, who has not played for the Reds since May 2015, travelled to Belgium after a cut-price £2.9m fee was agreed for him to return the club at which he spent the second half of last season on loan.

However, despite a three-year contract being offered, the move collapsed and led to Anderlecht's manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck claiming it was the player's fault.

"Our president and sports director did everything to convince Markovic," he told Belgian media.

"They waited until Liverpool lowered the price. They almost did a crazy effort for the player, but it wasn't enough. It's his own fault that the deal fell through."

But 24-year-old Markovic, who has also had unremarkable loan spells at Fenerbahce, Sporting Lisbon, Hull and is out of contract next summer, hit back.

Lazar Markovic rejected leaving Liverpool fot Anderlecht but said it wasn't to do with money (Getty)

"Thank you for making such a great effort for trying to get me back in the club. However, money was not the issue !!!!! Good luck in the future @rscanderlecht," he wrote on Twitter.

Markovic has once again not been included in Liverpool's Premier League squad and has no chance of playing under manager Jurgen Klopp so faces another four months in the wilderness, with even playing for the under-23s unlikely, until the window reopens in January.

PA