It’s sounding increasingly likely that Philippe Coutinho will leave Liverpool for Barcelona in January.

Reliable sources have revealed that Liverpool’s stance has ‘softened’ in terms of allowing their star his dream move to the Camp Nou. Furthermore, he’s reportedly told Jurgen Klopp that he no longer wants to play for Liverpool as he attempts to finally force through a move.

One positive for Liverpool is that it’s January 3. That means they have almost a month to find a possible replacement if they do decide to allow Coutinho to leave.

However, it seems they have already found a player to replace Coutinho.

Not only that, they have ‘agreed’ a deal to sign him.

That’s according to Duncan Castles, writing for Yahoo Sport.

He believes that Liverpool have spoken to Thomas Lemar and the only thing left is to agree a transfer fee.

Castles writes: “Thomas Lemar has talked with Liverpool and, according to sources close to the France international, decided to join from AS Monaco assuming a transfer fee can be agreed with the Ligue 1 club. Liverpool bid for Lemar – who is also on Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho’s shortlist – in the summer window, only to be gazumped by a €95m deadline-day offer from Arsenal.”

Quite what that fee for Lemar will be is unknown but with Liverpool set to receive around €130 million for Coutinho, the Reds will no doubt be able to afford the asking price.

Castles goes on to add that Lemar was “unconvinced” that Arsenal was the best club for him last summer - which is why he rejected the move.

And with Liverpool continuing to show their interest in the 22-year-old, he has been convinced with their determination to sign him.

Lemar played a huge role in Monaco reaching the Champions League semi-finals and winning Ligue 1 last season with 14 goals in all competitions. This season, he’s only scored twice with Monaco failing to keep up with Paris Saint-Germain in the league.

However, with him having just turned 22, it seems Lemar has a very bright future at the top level.