Liverpool round-up: Offer lined up for Barcelona’s Rafinha; Benjamin Mendy deal unlikely; Naby Keita discusses speculation

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Spanish radio journalist Gerard Romero has claimed that Liverpool and Roma are leading the race for Barcelona’s Brazilian midfielder Rafinha as the attacker considers his future at the Nou Camp with a desire to play more regular first team football, having made just 18 starts this season under Luis Enrique.

The arrival of Ernesto Valverde – announced on Monday – as the new manager of the Catalan club, could change the situation. Nonetheless, this is an exciting prospect for Reds fans. The brother of Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago, Rafinha would fit in well in a front three or even as an attacking central midfielder at Anfield.

One of the top priorities this summer will be the signing of a new left-back, and L’Equipe claim that Monaco’s Benjamin Mendy is a target for Liverpool, with the Reds competing alongside the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea in the hunt for the Frenchman.

However, the Liverpool Echo dispute these reports as they believe that Mendy is unlikely to head to Merseyside, with a move to London or Manchester likely to be the full-back’s first choice.

Another reported target is Red Bull Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita, who has spoken out on speculation surrounding his future, as he told Bundesliga.com:

“I really don’t worry about such things. My only focus is on our games and my performances; they are the most important things. I am a young player who never cares about rumours or what appears in the newspapers. I am now looking forward to a well-earned holiday and then to next season.”

The midfield dynamo has impressed in his first season in Germany and is thought to be liked by Jurgen Klopp, who is hoping to add more energy to his midfield three ahead of next season. Keita is believed to be at the top of the Liverpool manager’s list of candidates.

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