But now he’s hoping to one day be a Reds mainstay

move probably would have gone through. Jurgen Klopp and the Reds were always keen on the idea of Grujic playing Premier League football with Cardiff.

But with Grujic returning later than usual after the World Cup, the midfielder wanted some time to work with Klopp at Liverpool’s Melwood training facility. He ended up playing in pre-season games against Torino and Manchester City for the Reds.

When that time elapsed, Cardiff’s hierarchy led by Warnock and Ken Choo, were still confident of securing the move.

But when a genuine interest emerged from the Bundesliga, in the shape of Hertha Berlin, Grujic wanted to explore it. As well as Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, CSKA Moscow and Lyon had all shown interest in a loan.

Klopp was also said to have been instrumental in the decision that Hertha was the best place for the midfielder to continue his progress – the German boss having intimate knowledge of the Bundesliga.

Liverpool also turned down permanent offers from Italian clubs for Grujic as they see him as a long term option in central midfield.

But Grujic is still said to look back fondly on his time with the Bluebirds, with the promotion push a very positive experience for the 22-year-old.

Although Warnock was left with a bad taste in the mouth – and left sweating until deadline day to secure loan moves for midfielders Harry Arter and Victor Camarasa – there are no bad feelings between the camps. In any case, the Cardiff midfield looks reasonably well stocked with Arter and Camarasa impressing so far. Grujic is currently sidelined by an ankle injury after making a good start.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez carries the look of a haunted man as Jonjo Shelvey slumps to his knees following the Toon’s late defeat at the hands of Manchester United recently

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson is under pressure