Renato Sanches: Liverpool want Bayern Munich star on permanent transfer deal - report

Liverpool playmaker Coutinho is on Barcelona's radar, with Ernesto Valverde determined to seal a transfer.

The Brazil international has long been backed to make a move to the Nou Camp, but Barcelona have intensified their efforts to land him in recent weeks.

They have already failed with a £72million bid and Express Sport understands they are willing to pay as much as £80m to bring him to Catalonia.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has always insisted Coutinho will not be sold but Barcelona's pulling power means a deal is not to be ruled out.

The Reds have spent the summer chasing RB Leipzig's Naby Keita but may be forced to turn their attentions to alternative targets. 

And German newspaper Sports Bild say Klopp has earmarked Bayern Munich midfielder Sanches as the ideal replacement should Coutinho jump ship.

A year ago the Portugal international was the creme de la creme of European wonderkids, but his development has stunted during his solitary year in Bavaria. 

Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan are all in the mix for his signature.

However, Klopp wants to sign Sanches permanently and is said to have no interest in a loan move - despite that being Bayern's preference. 

Liverpool will have the perfect chance to run the rule over the 19-year-old when they face Bayern in the semi-final of the Audi Cup on Tuesday night.

And Klopp thinks the game against the German giants will show whether or not Liverpool have the quality to challenge for silverware this forthcoming campaign.

“I’m always happy to be here in Munich. I think I won the last game here in a spectacular penalty shootout,” he said.

“I’m with a different club now so it’s nothing to do with Dortmund.

“The team Carlo has here is very good in every position. My affinity to Dortmund is strong but Carlo is a lovely person.

“It’s important to see what we can achieve against Bayern. They are a top team and I’ll be excited to see what kind of team they put out.”