Klopp in danger of missing €45m Brazilian starlet as Barca open talks

Barcelona have opened talks with Flamengo over a deal for midfielder Lucas Paqueta – the man Jurgen Klopp had reportedly seen as the latest player to fill Philippe Coutinho’s shoes at Liverpool.

The player has been strongly tipped up as a January target for the Reds boss, whom Premium Sport suggesting the German viewed the 21-year-old as a long-term replacement for Coutinho and a viable alternative to Nabil Fekir, whose move to Anfield broke down over a disagreement over his fee following a medical issue this summer.

But according to Spanish daily Sport, Barca are now in the driving seat to sign the playmaker, who earned a first call-up to Brazil’s national side in August.

The player’s release clause stands at €45m (£40.5m) and Sport believes Barca are more than willing to pay that for the 21-year-old, who has carved out a reputation for himself in South America as a big-game player.

With seven goals in just 36 appearances for his club, Lucas is seen as very much one for the future, though it would come as a blow to Liverpool if Barcelona nipped in ahead of them to sign them just 12 months after landing Coutinho in a £142m deal.

Fancy news and features on the Reds on your Facebook timeline? Like our dedicated Liverpool page.