The English press begin the casting for Philippe Coutinho's replacement

In England there is resignation about Philippe Coutinho's desire to move to Barcelona and the search has begun for the Brazilian's replacement at Liverpool. The playmaker's will to move is clear and it is difficult to imagine him remaining at Anfield. 

"It will be interest to see what Liverpool do when they recieve an improved offer from Barcelona," admits Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo, a newspaper with close links to the Reds, before beginning to suggest options to replace Coutinho: "Thomas Lemar from Monaco is without doubt an option. They tried to sign him in the summer, but they couldn't reach an agreement. Despite not being exactly the same as Coutinho, he would be a great signing." 

The same article adds other possible signings in the case of the sale of the Brazilian: "What midfielders could come in if Liverpool get 133 million pounds, or more, for Coutinho? Draxler, Pulisic, Alexis Sánchez, Fekir and Lanzini are potential options." The Echo also suggest reinvesting the money on the squad's weak points, such as in goal and defence. 

Liverpool meet Everton on Friday in the FA Cup, a derby game which Coutinho will miss. "The Brazilian is out of the game with an injury as he hopes to move to Liverpool," The Guardian said. "There could be an agreement this week for the player to fulfill his dream." 

On ESPN, Richard Jolly says: "Coutinho could be, along with Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres, the best player in Liverpool's history to never win a trophy at Anfield. Coutinho will miss the derby against Everton in the FA Cup just when it seems he's set to move to Barcelona." 

The Premier League side, then are preparing for their big derby this weekend. However, what will interest the fans in the city this week, beyond the game, is the transfer window. And one person in particular, who has a name and a surname: Philippe Coutinho.