Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Mahmoud Dahoud and Thomas Lemar Rumours

Liverpool transfer target Mahmoud Dahoud is reportedly set to snub a move to Anfield in favour of staying in the Bundesliga. In fact, Dahoud is expected to leave Borussia Monchengladbach and join Borussia Dortmund.

A report from RB Sport (h/t CalcioMercato.com) has indicated Dahoud will opt to stay in Germany's top flight, despite continued interest from Liverpool: "The 21-year-old, who is currently with Borussia Monchengladbach, is understood to be house hunting in Dortmund ahead of a summer move to Signal Iduna Park."

The reports also noted how Dahoud will not only turn down Liverpool but also shun interest from Serie A giants Juventus. It means Liverpool manager and former Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp will miss out on the chance to sign a precocious talent with a release clause of just £8.5 million.

Dahoud represents a true bargain at such a modest fee. The 21-year-old has quickly become one of Europe's most sought-after midfielders, thanks to his combination of tenacity and technical quality.

Dahoud is capable of playing an advanced role in midfield or acting as a box-to-box dynamo from a deeper starting position. Liverpool could need help at both spots.

The club has already lost key man 28-year-old Adam Lallana for as long as a month with a thigh injury, according to BBC Sport. In the longer term, Barcelona's interest in classy No. 10 Philippe Coutinho could force Klopp into an overhaul of midfield in the near future.

Recently, Coutinho's Brazil international team-mate and Barcelona forward Neymar told Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (h/t ESPN FC's Adriana Garcia) how he wants his club to sign Liverpool's playmaker: "I would sign Philippe Coutinho. He's a player that I see playing at Barca."

Spanish source Sport (h/t Metro's Chris Davie) recently reported Barcelona officials have been talking to Coutinho's agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, about a possible deal.

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It's little wonder Klopp has maintained his interest in Dahoud, with Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star Sunday reporting how the Gladbach ace remains one of Liverpool's primary targets this summer.

However, it appears Klopp will be forced into a rethink.

Reds to Battle Chelsea for Thomas Lemar

Liverpool may not be able to sign Dahoud, but they are reportedly ready to compete for another talented young midfielder. The player in question is Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.

Spanish publication Sport (h/t Alex Wood of the Daily Star) has reported how both Liverpool and Premier League leaders Chelsea are monitoring 21-year-old Lemar. The reports also say how La Liga side Atletico Madrid have shown interest in the past in a player likely to be costly if Monaco agree to a sale: "It's suggested La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid lodged a £22.5m offer last summer."

It's hardly a surprise Monaco would be reluctant to sell one of their most gifted young players. Lemar is a midfielder blessed with energy, pace, strength and class on the ball.

He is also able to operate both centrally and out wide. The latter may be where he's most suited since his delivery from the flanks can be deadly.

Lemar has provided eight assists in Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League action this season, according to WhoScored.com. His pinpoint and whipped crosses caused havoc for Manchester City when Monaco knocked the Premier League side out of Europe's elite tournament at the last-16 stage earlier this month.

Lemar is a burgeoning talent, but he won't come cheap. In fact, French source L'Equipe (h/t Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport) recently indicated it would take up to €30 million to sign the player. Those reports also indicated Barcelona are keen on Lemar.

With such strong competition for the players he wants, Klopp could face missing out on two of his primary transfer targets this summer. The Liverpool chief will instead have to cast a wider net to aid his bid for reinforcements.