Liverpool 'Close' to an Agreement with Thomas Lemar over Summer Transfer

Liverpool are reportedly "close" to reaching an agreement with Thomas Lemar regarding a summer move from AS Monaco. 

According to French outlet Le 10 Sport (h/t Alex Richards of the Mirror), Lemar "is determined to test himself" away from Monaco next season, and after "fresh enquiries" from Liverpool following their interest in him last summer, he is nearing a deal with the Reds.

The 22-year-old is said to be eager to join Liverpool and will be allowed to leave if the Ligue 1 club can agree on a transfer fee, with a figure in the region of £70 million touted.

Given Lemar's willingness to join, it seems likely the Merseyside outfit can make him an offer he can't refuse, particularly in light of his current wages, per Goal's Robin Bairner:

The France international can play on the left or as a No. 10, which would make him a strong choice to replace Philippe Coutinho at Anfield.

Football writer Jack Sear believes as much:

Lemar had a sensational campaign last year as he racked up 14 goals and 17 assists in all competitions, helping Monaco win Ligue 1 and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Like the rest of his team, the youngster has not been able to reach the same standard this year following the exodus of talent that occurred at Monaco in the summer, and he has only contributed three goals and eight assists this time around.

He has still shown flashes of brilliance, though, such as in Monaco's 4-0 win over Dijon on February 16, per the club's official Twitter account:

One of Lemar's top qualities is that he has the technique to strike the ball very well, which makes him a threat not only from crosses and set pieces but also when going for goal himself.

If he can showcase his form consistently as he did last season, he would make a superb addition at Anfield, and he has the potential to get even better.