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Liverpool are wasting no time in finding Philippe Coutinho's replacement
Jurgen Klopp has identified Thomas Lemar as the man he wants to bring in
Previous reports suggested a fee of £133m for the French international

Published: 05:47 EST, 7 January 2018 | Updated: 06:00 EST, 8 January 2018

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Liverpool are wasting no time in their search for Philippe Coutinho's replacement.

The Brazilian's £145million move to Barcelona has been agreed, with confirmation expected on Sunday, but the Liverpool Echo are reporting that Jurgen Klopp has already identified Thomas Lemar as the man he wants to bring in.

Liverpool could not finalise a deal for Lemar at the end of the summer window but with Coutinho's exit now all-but sealed Monaco will be bracing themselves for a fresh approach.

Jurgen Klopp has already identified Thomas Lemar as the man he wants to bring in

Philippe Coutinho was beaming as he climbed aboard his plane to jet off to Barcelona

Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim said recently that the principality club had no intention of parting with Lemar this month.

Klopp, though, remains an admirer of the 22-year-old, and he reportedly faces competition from Arsenal who also retain an interest.

The Echo report acknowledges that even a mammoth Liverpool bid may not be enough to change Monaco's stance.

Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim said he had no intention of parting with Lemar this month

A fee in the region of £133m has been mooted, but even that astronomical figure meanings Liverpool would be left with plenty of change after extracting £145m for Coutinho.

The France international is also on the radars of Manchester United and Chelsea and but he is said to favour a move to Liverpool, with Klopp a big factor.

Lemar has netted twice and set up four goals in 13 Ligue 1 appearances.