Liverpool transfer news and rumours: Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, Thomas Lemar and Emre Can latest

A round-up of the latest transfer stories surrounding Anfield

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho hopes to leave for Barcelona this month (Getty)

Philippe Coutinho appears to be nearing the exit door at Liverpool, with the Merseyside club reportedly ready to sit down and negotiate with long-standing suitors Barcelona.

According to Yahoo Sport, discussions between the two clubs will be held on Thursday and a deal could be struck if Liverpool’s €150m (£133m) asking price is met.

Coutinho was the subject of three bids from Barcelona during the summer, the last of which totalled £118m but only offered an initial £82m fee.

Whereas the proposed add-ons in previous bids included winning the Ballon d’Or and multiple Champions League titles, Liverpool will reportedly insist on more realistic incentives this time around.

According to The Times, Coutinho will play no part in Friday’s FA Cup third round Merseyside derby against Everton and the final say on whether he is allowed to stay or go this month will come down to Jürgen Klopp,

Meanwhile, Thomas Lemar has emerged as Liverpool’s preferred Coutinho replacement and The Mirror report that contact has been re-established with his current club Monaco.

​Lemar is believed to favour a move to Anfield, just as he did on the final day of the summer window when Arsenal gazumped their Premier League rivals with a £90m offer, only to be rejected by the 22-year-old.

Finally, Emre Can is not expected to leave Liverpool during the current transfer window despite the impasse in negotiations over the midfielder’s new contract.

According to Sky Germany, Can’s representatives remain in negotiations with Liverpool and their player is set to see out the month on Merseyside.

Can’s current Anfield deal expires in the summer and he is currently free to arrange a move to another European club, with Juventus interested.