Paul Merson thinks ‘incredible’ Liverpool target will move in summer

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Paul Merson believes Leeds United star and reported Liverpool target Raphinha will be on the move this summer.

The Sky Sports pundit shared his thoughts on Sportskeeda as he looked ahead to the Whites’ next game.

In terms of bolstering their attacking ranks, Liverpool pulled off a major coup in January by signing Luis Diaz.

However, the Reds could well be looking to reinforce their front-line further come the end of the season.

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all have 15 months left on their Liverpool contracts.

Therefore, Jurgen Klopp might be keeping tabs on other players in case any of the three leave in summer.

In March, Fabrizio Romano claimed Liverpool were keeping tabs on Raphinha.

As well as Liverpool, Barcelona are apparently also in pursuit of the Brazil international.

According to The Mirror, Barca are prepared to offer around £33.5million for the Elland Road star.

However, Leeds ‘would want nearly double that amount’, which would take his price tag to around £67million.

Merson reckons Raphinha could certainly play for a club like Liverpool or any other Premier League elite clubs.

However, he also feels Barca and Real Madrid will still have significant pulling power.

“Raphinha is a player who has generated a lot of transfer talk in recent weeks,” he wrote on Sportskeeda.

“With Barcelona reportedly interested in snapping him up this summer.

“I think he’ll leave Leeds regardless of what happens.

“He’s capable of playing for any of the big boys in the Premier League.

“Real Madrid and Barcelona still have the charm when it comes to foreign players.

“When either of the two clubs come for a player, they inevitably end up getting them. “

Marsch discusses Raphinha future

The Leeds boss faced the media on Thursday ahead of his side’s game against Southampton this weekend.

Asked about Raphinha and his future, the American said, as per Leeds Live: “He was incredible in the 45-minute test match we had.

“(He’s a) massive talent and my challenge, despite all of the talk outside, is to have a relationship where we can focus on his development in helping the team while he is here.

“I haven’t had a word with him about Deco or Barcelona. It should be out there because is fantastic.

“I just want him to become the player I know he can be.

“Everyone here wants to enjoy the football he can play and of course, we want him to stay as long as possible.

“Fantastic player and very good person.”