Mahrez set for Liverpool move

LEICESTER star Riyad Mahrez (pix) was reportedly set to have a medical at Liverpool as the Algerian has been touted as a possible replacement for Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho, who joined Barcelona on Saturday.

The Reds have also been linked with Monaco winger Thomas Lemar, but the Frenchman is being targeted by a number of clubs and will cost significantly more.

Jurgen Klopp has his heart set on Mahrez and the club made an approach to Leicester on Friday evening.

And according to beIN SPORTS, the 26-yearold was to undergo a medical ahead of completing a switch to Anfield.

“Mahrez was awarded the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2016 after scoring 17 goals to help Leicester to a shock Premier League title win.”

He will reportedly put pen to paper on a four year contract and will set Liverpool back €55m (RM298.3m).

Mahrez was awarded the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2016 after scoring 17 goals to help Leicester to a shock Premier League title win.

He’s been in stunning form since Claude Puel took charge earlier this season, scoring eight times and providing eight assists, but the board have promised he can leave if his asking price is met.

Klopp is keen to fill the gap Coutinho has left in his attack as he looks to hunt down runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City, who they host next weekend.

Liverpool are currently fourth in the table, three points behind second-placed Manchester United.

However, just as most British media outlets were carrying this story, Sky Sports claimed that Liverpool have no interest in signing the player.

Reports had previously suggested that the Algerian winger was close to joining Liverpool in a deal worth around £50m (RM271.2m) after the Reds agreed to sell Coutinho to Barcelona on Saturday. But Sky sources understand there has been no contact between Liverpool and Mahrez’s club Leicester City. – Daily Star