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JUL RAID

Julian Draxler eyed by Liverpool as club prepare for next Philippe Coutinho bid from Barcelona

Germany forward Draxler has struggled to nail down a starting role at PSG since his £30million arrival last January

LIVERPOOL are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Julian Draxler.

Reds are said to be lining up Draxler in case they lose their battle to keep Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona's clutches.

 PSG forward Julian Draxler is on Liverpool's radar
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PSG forward Julian Draxler is on Liverpool's radarCredit: AFP

Germany international Draxler - linked with Real Madrid and Arsenal - has struggled to nail down a starting role at Paris Saint-Germain since his £30million arrival last January.

With Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani available to boss Unai Emery, he faces a fight to start regularly in a three-man attack.

The 38-cap star was one of few Germany players to impress at Euro 2016, before he secured a move last December.

But he started just 12 Ligue 1 games for the minted Parisian club in the second half of last season and has struggled to hold down a starting role this season.


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 Reds see Draxler as a potential replacement for Philippe Coutinho
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Reds see Draxler as a potential replacement for Philippe CoutinhoCredit: Rex Features
 Draxler is reportedly also a target for Real Madrid
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Draxler is reportedly also a target for Real MadridCredit: AFP

And Jurgen Klopp could offer Draxler an escape route as Reds line up possible replacements for their star man.

Last month Barca claimed they are "ready to sign" Coutinho in January.

The Spanish giants had THREE bids rejected by the Reds for the Brazilian in the summer, with the last offer £119million.

 Draxler, with keeper Kevin Trapp, was left on the bench against Marseille
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Draxler, with keeper Kevin Trapp, was left on the bench against MarseilleCredit: Getty
 Versatile forward Draxler has won 38 caps for Germany
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Versatile forward Draxler has won 38 caps for GermanyCredit: Getty

Barca CEO Oscar Grau said: "We are ready to sign Coutinho, or any other player during the January transfer window. We have the money."

It is believed Coutinho will NOT push for a move — even if Barcelona do come calling in January.


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Liverpool were aware of a fourth bid worth about £138m being prepared before they made it clear that they would not sell.

Barcelona want Coutinho as a replacement for Neymar, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in August for a world record £198m.

Julian Draxler scores with a stunning volley in Ligue 1 clash against Bordeaux
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