Liverpool have been tentatively linked with Leeds United sensation Raphinha in recent months after making a huge impact during a debut Premier League season.
Jurgen Klopp could indeed be in the market this summer for alternative attacking options as the German manager looks to restock a squad ready to compete with Manchester City once again.
Aware of the speculation surrounding his future, the 24-year-old winger has this week spoken out to UOL Esporte in Brazil, as cited by Watch LFC on Twitter, regarding links with both the Reds and arch-rivals Manchester United.
Twitter: Raphinha:
“It is difficult to define how I feel when I hear speculation about giant teams like Liverpool and Man… https://t.co/VlMfsUXT0f (@Watch_LFC)
The Brazilian went on to speak of fellow compatriots Alisson Becker and Fabinho at Anfield – both stars set to confirm their long-term futures on Merseyside.
Raphinha has been attracting plenty of interest with his performances this season – scoring six goals and registering nine assists in 30 Premier League outings.
Described as ‘spontaneous’ by charismatic Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, the versatile forward would certainly offer additional dimensions to Klopp’s squad.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Safe to say Raphinha hold both Liverpool and United in a similar gravitas as the majority of the football world.
Both clubs have a pull above any other side in the country, perhaps only topped by Real Madrid and Barcelona on the continental stage.
Should Klopp hold a genuine interest in the £22.5million valued star, the Brazilian trio could well be linking up with the uncapped Porto Alegre born man during the break.
