£60m to Rap up deal for Klopp
LIVERPOOL are ramping up interest in £60million Leeds star Raphinha with Sadio Mane set to leave Anfield this summer.
And back-up attacker Takumi Minamino could be the bait to lure the Brazilian to Merseyside.
Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the attacker, 25, who scored 11 Premier League goals and grabbed three assists despite a poor season for Leeds, who only just beat the drop on the final day of the season.
Raphinha is on Barcelona’s wanted list – but the Spanish giants are still deep in debt and must sell before they can buy this summer.
The flying winger fits the bill perfectly for the Reds’ high-energy style under Klopp, who may have an ace up his sleeve in getting a deal done.
Leeds, rebuilding under American coach Jesse Marsch after their narrow relegation escape, are keen on Minamino who joined Liverpool in a £7.25m deal in 2020.
The Japan international, 27, was only a bit-part player last season although he still scored 10 goals in 24 games across all competitions.
It’s believed Klopp would be prepared to sacrifice him even though Liverpool have already lost squad striker Divock Origi, who is set to join Serie A giants AC Milan.
Leeds want big money for Raphinha who cost £17m when he was snapped up by ex-Elland Road boss Marcelo Bielsa from French side Rennes two years ago.
The South American has adapted well to the speed, intensity and physical demands of the Premier League.
And he has impressed Klopp and his staff since his arrival in England.
The Kop boss is becoming increasingly resigned to losing Mane, who is entering the final year of his contract, with Bayern Munich keen to sign him to replace Robert Lewandowski.