Liverpool lined up Bayern star as Coutinho’s replacement

Liverpool targeted Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller to replace Philippe Coutinho in the summer, according to a report in Germany.

Coutinho never left Anfield in the summer, despite putting in a transfer request, but Livepool had drawn up plans to replace the 25-year-old and Germany international Muller was their top target.

The Reds were understood to be prepared to spend €100million on the 28-year-old, who scored nine goals and managed 17 assists in 42 games for Bayern last season.

The Bild report claims that Bayern’s reluctance to sell ended any hopes Liverpool had of buying Muller.

The German publication, earlier this month, claimed Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all failed with efforts to sign Muller this summer.

The 28-year-old struggled for form last season and was no longer a guaranteed starter at the Allianz Arena, but he has played in all five league games this term, scoring once and assisting once.

Muller is contracted to Bayern until 2021, but Bild stated earlier this month that Muller could be sold off if he has another difficult year at Bayern.

Liverpool never had any intention in selling Coutinho; their ‘not for sale” stance never changed from the outset.

Coutinho though is understood to have been chasing a move to Barcelona and the Catalan club have insisted Liverpool were prepared to sell Coutinho for €200m and were not willing to negotiate.