Liverpool could hijack Barcelona’s Raphinha move with Mane set to leave

Liverpool are 'ramping up' interest in Raphinha.

Here we go then. The football season's been over for barely a week and the transfer gossip is heating up nicely. Much of it has been dominated by Liverpool's Sadio Mane, who, after being strongly linked with Bayern Munich, promised to give us an update on his future after the Champions League final. So far, he hasn't, but did say - as a joke, apparently - that he'd let the people of Senegal have some kind of say in what he did next. With Mane seemingly inching towards the door, talk has already turned to who Liverpool might bring in as a replacement for him (and perhaps Mo Salah, too). Now, according to a report, Raphinha, fresh from helping Leeds United stay afloat in the Premier League, is a serious option.

Raphinha looked set for Barcelona move.

The Brazilian is expected to leave Elland Road this summer, with Barcelona widely reported to be leading the race for him. Barca's ongoing financial issues, which are said to be stalling the registration of two other summer arrivals, could be an issue, potentially opening the door for Liverpool to get a deal done. And according to The Mirror, that's exactly what's on the cards. Their report claims the Reds are 'ramping up' their interest in the 25-year-old, who is valued at around £60m, and could even throw in Takumi Minamino as a makeweight in the deal. Jurgen Klopp is said to be a huge admirer of the player and is willing to allow Minamino to move on a permanent basis if it means bringing him in. Raphinha arrived at Leeds at the start of their first season back in the Premier League in 18 years. He settled quickly and managed to catch the eye with 11 goals last season, despite Leeds facing the threat of relegation.

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