Manchester City will challenge Liverpool and Manchester United in the battle for Leeds winger Raphinha, according to Sport Italia journalist Gianluigi Longari.
The Brazilian has been in excellent form for the Whites this season, racking up eight goals and eight assists in all competitions, and it seems there will be a host of teams after his signature this summer:
Manchester City join the race for Leeds United winger #Raphinha. Manchester United and Liverpool still interested in him, confirmed. Nothing decided yet cause #LUFC want to keep him. #MUFC #LFC #MCFC @tvdellosport
— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) April 30, 2021
Raphinha is likely being eyed as potential competition for Mo Salah. Xherdan Shaqiri is expected to leave Anfield at the end of the season, meaning manager Jurgen Klopp will be short of options on the right flank.
However, there is some concern that signing the Brazilian could block the pathway of Harvey Elliott. The 18-year-old has been superb during a loan spell in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers and it was expected that he could return to play a greater part in Liverpool’s first-team squad next campaign.
Raphinha can also play from the left-hand side or through the middle, but his best performances for Leeds have been as a right-winger. It will be interesting to see whether the Reds firm up their interest in the coming months.
