Liverpool transfer news: Thomas Lemar being considered by Reds as Philippe Coutinho replacement
Neymar's impending Paris Saint-Germain move means his Brazil team-mate is closing in on Barcelona switch
LIVERPOOL are considering joining Arsenal in the race for Monaco star Thomas Lemar, according to reports.
Reds playmaker Philippe Coutinho is being lined up to replace Paris Saint-Germain-bound Neymar.
Anfield chiefs are reportedly resigned to losing their star player, but will recoup a fee of about £70million.
And they are now mulling over a move for 21-year-old Monaco winger Lemar, according to Le 10 Sport.
But Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for the Frenchman.
The Gunners' third bid of £44million was rejected by the Ligue 1 champions.
It is believed Lemar favours a move to the Emirates to link up with compatriot Arsene Wenger.
Wenger is desperate to land the player as he looks to break his way back into the Champions League.
Monaco are reluctant to sell having already lost key men Bernardo Silva, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Benjamin Mendy.
Liverpool transfer news
But Liverpool could force their hand with a big enough bid should they lose Brazil star Coutinho, 25.
Coutinho will not come cheap having signed a new long-term contract in January keeping him at Anfield until 2022.
Thomas Lemar: The Guadeloupe-born Monaco star Arsenal want
- Thomas Lemar was born in Baie-Mahault, Guadeloupe, on 12 November 1995
- The winger began his youth career at Solidarite Scolaire before joining Caen in 2010.
- In 2013 he broke into the first team at Caen, before Monaco snapped him up in 2015.
- The 21-year-old is rated highly by the national team and has played for the U17s, U18s, U19s, U20s and U21s before appearing in the senior side.
- He made his France debut in 15 November in 2016 after appearing as a sub in a 0-0 friendly against the Ivory Coast.
- Lemar won his first piece of silverware with Monaco last season after they were crowned Ligue 1 champions.
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The Reds have made no formal enquiry to Monaco, nor have they spoken to Lemar's representatives.
RB Leipzig star Naby Keita was Liverpool's No1 target this summer but they have been told to look elsewhere by club chief Oliver Mintzlaff.
After rejecting three bids - the latest of which reaching almost £70m - Minztlaff said: "€75m (£66.9m) is not enough to buy Keita. He is World Class, he stays.
“RB Leipzig is looking forward to the next season together with Naby Keita.”
