Liverpool have reportedly contacted Leicester City over signing of Algerian winger Rihad Mahrez.

Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool’s boss, is said to be targeting the 2016 African Player of the Year as a replacement for want away Brazilian Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho is heavily linked with a move to LaLiga heavyweights Barcelona this transfer window.

Mahrez, 26, handed in a transfer request last summer, but the club is not letting him go just yet with coach Claude Puel adamant the 2016 PFA will be remaining at the club till end of the season.

Liverpool is home to two of Africa’s best footballers in the reigning African Player of the Year Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and runners-up Sadio Mane of Senegal.

The duo was crowned the best in Africa during CAF Awards gala in Accra Ghana Thursday.