Man Utd open talks with €45m man Liverpool fancy to replace Coutinho

Manchester United have opened talks with Liverpool midfield target Lucas Paqueta, according to a report in France.

Le 10 Sport claim that United are among a number of clubs who have initiated negotiations with the 21-year-old Flamengo No. 10.

The report also claims Barcelona and AC Milan are also chasing the player, but they suggest PSG are United’s main rivals for the player.

Last week Sport claimed Barcelona had opened talks with Flamengo over a deal for Paqueta – the man Jurgen Klopp reportedly sees as the latest player to fill Philippe Coutinho’s boots at Liverpool.

Italian source Premium Sport reported that Paqueta was seen 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 were 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 €45million and Sport reported that Barca were more than willing to pay that for the player, who has carved out a reputation for himself in South America as a big-game player.

The former Brazil Under-20 star has made 28 appearances this season, scoring six goals and grabbing four assists.