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 have been tipped to sign Leeds ace Raphinha (Image: GETTY)
After bedding in at Leeds last season, he became a menace to the best defences in the league and illustrated his talents time and time again to help his side to a ninth-placed top-flight finish.
And this season he has taken his game to a whole new level, becoming a potent threat in front of goal, despite his team’s struggles.
Raphinha has found the net eight times in 17 Premier League games this season and has been Leeds’ main source of goals.
He was handed a debut for his country during their 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Venezuela in October.
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On that occasion he bagged two assists after coming off the off the bench at half time.
The 25-year-old has appeared in all four of Brazil’s game since and scored his first goal for the South American team during their 4-1 victory over Uruguay a week after his maiden appearance.
He notched a second goal in that match and now looks set to become a regular for his country.
Liverpool have been linked with a number of attackers after falling 11 points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League table.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could miss out on signing Leeds ace Raphinha (Image: GETTY)
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.