Liverpool have made an inquiry to sign Monaco’s Thomas Lemar for a club record fee of up to €60million (£55million), according to sources in France.

The move is not linked to the future of Philippe Coutinho with Liverpool having rejected three offers from Barcelona for the play-maker including a package of up to €125million (£115million).

It remains to be seen if Barcelona make a final offer before the window closes on Thursday with Coutinho, who submitted a transfer request, desperate to leave. Liverpool insist they will not sell no matter what is offered.

Lemar has long been wanted by Arsenal, also, and has recently been linked to Manchester United and it is understood that Liverpool’s inquiry was made earlier this summer and remains active.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said last week that a move for Lemar was “dead” for his club although that may be brinksmanship to try and see if Monaco will negotiate.