Liverpool are in talks to sign Lemar

Liverpool are set to make a move for AS Monaco winger Thomas Lemar to replace Philippe Coutinho.

According to The Mirror, Liverpool have opened talks with Monaco over a deal for Lemar, after a failed attempt to sign him last summer.

The report claims that it is when and not if, regarding Coutinho’s proposed move to Barcelona.

Coutinho has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona since the summer and it appears as though a deal will finally go through this month.

Reports on Wednesday claimed that Barcelona are preparing a £140m bid for Coutinho, which is expected to tempt Liverpool into cashing in.

Lemar is valued at £90m, which would break Liverpool’s club-record transfer. They set their club-record earlier this week, when they signed Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton for £75m – also setting the world-record for a defender.

Arsenal are also thought to be interested in Lemar.