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Barcelona Transfer News: Talks underway with Lemar as alternative to Coutinho
BARCELONA have reportedly opened negotiations with Thomas Lemar as a back-up plan if their move for Philippe Coutinho fails.
Craig Burley says Thomas Lemar a good fit for Liverpool
With the Spanish transfer window ending in September 1, Barcelona have more time to conduct their business and they have made it clear they still want to bring in some players.
After selling Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona moved to replace him with Ousmane Dembele for an initial £96.8million, potentially rising to £135.5m.
They have also been strongly linked with Liverpool’s Coutinho but seen three bids for the midfielder fail.
Reports yesterday claimed a £148.5million (160m euros) fee had been agreed with Liverpool for Coutinho.
Now they negotiate with Lemar if they fail with Coutinho
But Reds CEO Peter Moore denied on Twitter any agreement had been reached.
And according to AS reporter Ignacio Miguelez, Barcelona are now negotiating with Monaco’s Lemar if they are unsuccessful in recruiting Coutinho.
He tweeted: “Barca wanted to sign to Keita Balde if they failed with Dembele.
Thomas Lemar is wanted by Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal
“Now they negotiate with Lemar if they fail with Coutinho.”
Lemar is a transfer target for Liverpool and Arsenal but Monaco have insisted he is not for sale.
Liverpool are understood to have offered around £75m for the France international.
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