Liverpool give up on Lemar
Jurgen Klopp has taken French international Thomas Lemar off his list of transfer targets, after deciding not to make a move for him in January.
According to the 'Liverpool Echo', the France international was previously seen as a replacement for the outgoing Philippe Countinho, but now the Merseyside team will set their sights elsewhere.
This would hand over the initiative to Arsenal, who tried to put together a late deal for the 23-year-old in summer, but they were unable to reach a deal with Monaco. Reports from France have suggested that Lemar turned down a new deal with the 'Monegasgues', indicating that he would be open to a move away.
Klopp felt a €100million price tag was too much for a player who has only played one season at the top level. Lemar scored 14 goals as Monaco won Ligue 1 and reached the Champions League semi-finals. Injuries this season have restricted his playing time.