Liverpool could be forced to abandon their quest to sign Leeds ace Raphinha after it emerged the Brazil international could be close to signing a new contract with the Yorkshire club. Raphinha has lit up the Premier League since moving to England in October 2020.
Liverpool are long-time admirers of Raphinha and the club have been tipped to make a move for the player this month.
But, according to Leeds Live, contract talks between Leeds and Raphinha’s agent Deco are ongoing and there is confidence a deal can be struck.
That means the Merseysiders may have to turn their attentions elsewhere as they look to bolster their ranks.
Leeds shelled out an initial £17million to prise Raphinha away from French side Rennes last season.
The talented winger put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal with the club after impressing in Ligue 1. And he certainly hasn’t disappointed.
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The Reds enjoyed an impressive run of form in the autumn but have given themselves a mountain to climb if they are to secure a second Premier League title in three years.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were held by Tottenham in the run-up to Christmas and suffered defeat at the hands of Leicester, before dropping another two points at Chelsea at the start of this month.
So the German will surely still be keen to thrash out a deal for Raphinha, who has now scored 14 goals and contributed 10 assists in 49 games since signing for Leeds.
And Klopp could still have a trick or two up his sleeve to tempt the star to Anfield.