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Growing up in Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, Liverpool transfer target Thomas Lemar dreamed of one day emulating his hero Andres Iniesta.

He left his homeland at the age of 15 after he was handed the opportunity to join the youth ranks at French outfit Caen. His potential was spotted by coach Philippe Tranchant when he was playing at the Solidarite Scolaire Academy in the town of Baie-Mahault.

“Guadeloupe means everything to me. My family and friends are there and it’s where I spent the first 15 years of my life,” he said.

(Image: (Photo by Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images))

“When I was little I thought about playing in the Champions League one day. I used to love watching that Barcelona midfield of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, especially Iniesta.

“His movement, his passing, his dribbles. You can really learn from a player like him.”

Lemar progressed through the ranks at Caen where he played alongside N’Golo Kante. He made his Ligue Two debut at the age of 17 in August 2013 against Dijon FCO and featured more regularly the following campaign.

His performances attracted interest from bigger clubs and after 36 appearances for Caen he moved to Monaco for a fee of around £3.5million in 2015.

Lemar sought advice from Anthony Martial, who was heading from Monaco to Manchester United. The pair had been friends since their days together in the France youth squads.

“He told me some good things about the club,” Lemar said. “He explained how it was a good club for young players as they always give youth a chance.”

(Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Lemar, who scored on his debut against Toulouse, has gone from strength to strength over the past two seasons. He netted nine goals in 34 league outings last season as Leonardo Jardim’s men ended the club’s 17-year wait for the Ligue One title.

The 21-year-old also played his part as Monaco reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. He scored both home and away as they did the double over Tottenham in the group stage.

In all competitions last season he contributed 14 goals and 17 assists in 55 appearances, He played more key passes per game and provided more crosses than any of his team-mates.

Lemar is a left-footer who can play out wide or through the middle. He’s also a free-kick specialist who has netted some spectacular long-range efforts.

(Image: JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP/Getty Images)

“In general I try to avoid tackles, that’s not my strong point,” he said. “My game is more about movement and quick passing.”

His form was recognised with a first cap for France against the Ivory Coast last November and he has been part of Didier Deschamps’ plans ever since.

Arsenal tried to sign Lemar earlier this summer but Monaco turned down around £45million and Arsene Wenger said last week their pursuit of him was “dead”. Juventus, Manchester City and Chelsea have also been linked.

Having already sold Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy to Manchester City, Tiemoue Bakayoko to Chelsea and Kylian Mbappe expected to join PSG, Monaco are reluctant to lose another key asset.

But Liverpool hope their offer which is in excess of £60million will tempt them to do business.