Hertha Berlin fought off competition from Hoffenheim to sign Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic on Sunday.

Hertha have taken Grujic on a season-long loan, but not before the Serb appeared set to join Hoffenheim.

BILD says agent Marc Kosicke takes care of both Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann - and it appeared Grujic was certain to move to TSG.

However, daily calls from Hertha and the presence of U23 coach Ante Covic, who is close to Grujic, swung the deal in the Berlin club's favour.

Hertha have paid €1m to take Grujic on a straight loan.