Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Monaco winger Thomas Lemar as they prepare for Philippe Coutinho’s departure, reports The Daily Mirror.
Coutinho is widely expected to complete a move to Barcelona in a deal worth more than £130m at some point this month.
Jurgen Klopp will have that money available to sign his replacement and the Liverpool boss has identified Monaco star Lemar as his top transfer target.
Monaco turned down a £90m bid from Arsenal for Lemar in the summer and the France international reportedly favours a move to Anfield.
The Ligue 1 champions have moved to dismiss suggestions Lemar could leave this month but Liverpool will move for the 22-year-old if Coutinho completes a Premier League record move to the Camp Nou.
Lemar is yet to hit his best form for Monaco this season but reoccurring injury concerns have not helped the Frenchman.
Since the start of last season, only three Ligue 1 players have registered more assists than Lemar (14).
