According to recent reports, Leeds United are very confident of offering a new contract to their star player Raphinha amind interest from clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea.
Liverpool have been looking for a winger to replace the aging Sadio Mane and add depth to their attack. They have been following the progress of the Brazilian ever since he signed for Leeds United.
Raphinha has also been compared to former Liverpool man, Phillipe Coutinho.
Raphinha has settled really well into English football. He played a big part in helping Leeds United finish ninth-place last season, their first since their return to the top flight of English football.
Leeds United have struggled this season and have failed to build on the success of last season. This has led Raphinha, who has continued to thrive, to be linked with other clubs.
He has already scored eight times and assisted a further two in eighteen games this season.
However, signing Raphinha may have just become even more difficult for other clubs since Leeds United are now closing in on a new deal with the Brazilian.
The Athletic’s Leeds writer Phil Hay, the club is “increasingly confident of finalising a new contract with Raphinha.”
The report also added that no offers have come in for the former Stade Rennais winger and if offers do come, Leeds would reject them anyway.
Having played a high-intensity style game at Leeds United, the 25-year old would be a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp.
He would not only be a fine alternative to Salah, whose own contract issue is unresolved, but could also start alongside him.
Liverpool have also been linked to Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips.
With Leeds United very unlikely to play in Europe anytime soon, Raphinha could be tempted to move to a club that frequents European competitions.
But with interests from clubs like Chelsea and Bayern Munich, signing him will not be easy for Liverpool, especially if he signs a new deal. Hence Liverpool need to move quickly and smartly for the winger.
If not Raphinha, could we see Liverpool moving in for Dembele?