Liverpool reportedly hold a ‘genuine interest’ in highly-rated Leeds United forward Raphinha.
The 25-year-old Brazilian has been linked with the Reds for some time and West Ham seemingly joined the pursuit late in the January transfer window.
Signed from French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais in 2020, Raphinha has contributed directly to 25 goals in 51 outings since joining the Yorkshire club.
According to a report from The Athletic, as cited by Liverpool FC News on Twitter, Liverpool s remain keen on the Brazil international.
Liverpool still have 'genuine interest' in Raphinha despite Luis Diaz signing, it has been claimed
Latest #LFC transfer rumourshttps://t.co/iHieQozmrQ pic.twitter.com/AdVn5VvfTm
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) February 8, 2022
The report claims that the five-cap ace is one of the ‘leading candidates’ as Jurgen Klopp looks to further bolster the attacking options at Anfield.
So far this season Raphinha – described as ‘electric’ by Jermaine Beckford – has scored eight times and provided two assists in 19 Premier League appearances.
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Valued at £36million and under contract at Elland Road until 2024 (Transfermarkt), signing the skilful Brazilian would be an expensive move for the Reds.
However, as the report states the club are ‘wasting no time’ in their succession planning having signed Luis Diaz and Raphinha could be the next target.
Predominantly a right-winger – the same position as Mohamed Salah – the Brazilian certainly has the key attributes to shine in this Liverpool side but would have to bide his time for a starting berth.
Another name perennially linked to the club with similar credentials is that of West Ham ace Jarrod Bowen. One major advantage the 26-year-old would have over Raphinha is homegrown status.
