Liverpool make transfer plans for Philippe Coutinho's departure with Thomas Lemar and Riyad Mahrez targets

Liverpool have been prepared for Coutinho leaving for some time with Lemar and Mahrez seen as options while a new goalkeeper is also on the agenda

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Friday 05 January 2018 12:46 GMT
Comments
Winter transfer window: Ten players looking for a move in January

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool have prepared a contingency plan if they do sell Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona this window, and the Anfield club will first look to Monaco’s Thomas Lemar with Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez as a back-up, and also try to sign a new goalkeeper.

While the hierarchy’s stance is that they are still trying to persuade the Brazilian to stay, there is a growing feeling - especially at Camp Nou - that he could leave by next week, so Liverpool have naturally prepared for that possibility.

They had been considering a move for Lemar in this window with the view to bedding him in before Coutinho leaves in the summer - as reported by The Independent in December - but that will definitely happen if a transfer with Barcelona is agreed.

Monaco have however proven tough negotiators and already rejected a late bid from Anfield in the summer believed to come to around £75m, so it could well take around £100m of Coutinho’s expected £133m fee to sign Lemar. If they cannot push that through, they will move for Mahrez.

Liverpool are meanwhile looking at goalkeepers, amid ongoing debate about the contributions of Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius. Jan Oblak would be an ideal but his release clause at Atletico Madrid is £100m and there is other interest, but they have also monitored Allison at Roma, as well as Stoke City’s Jack Butland.

Jurgen Klopp is determined to keep the momentum of this season going, even if they do sell Coutinho.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in