Bid rejected: Liverpool now facing major setback that will leave FSG fuming - opinion

Liverpool have reportedly held a long term interest in Raphinha and with Sadio Mane potentially leaving this summer the club were set to ramp up their interest in the player, but now a new update has emerged that would make the transfer a non-starter.

According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, Raphinha and his agent Deco have rejected an offer from Liverpool.

As per the report, the Leeds United winger is said to favour a move to La Liga giants Barcelona this summer, with Raphinha specifically prioritising negotiating that deal over anything the Premier League club is willing to offer.

The Brazilian is said to be desperate for a leading role in Xavi Hernandez’s side next season, despite being the reported chosen replacement for Mane by Jurgen Klopp.

If Raphinha was the chosen replacement for Mane this summer, FSG will surely be fuming that the winger does not see the move to Anfield as a priority or an option at this point and they will now need to reassess and identify another replacement.

The £60m wizard who was dubbed “phenomenal” by Rio Ferdinand, has been an undeniable force for Leeds finishing the season as the top goal-scorer and leading the side out of their relegation troubles with a goal on the final day of the season that helped the side remain in the Premier League.

In total, the Brazilian found the net on 11 occasions, showing how dangerous he can be in the final third.

The blow with Raphinha comes as Aurelien Tchouameni also turned down a move to Liverpool after agreeing terms with the club, but has since received a more tempting offer from another La Liga club, with Real Madrid now agreeing a deal with the midfielder according to Fabrizio Romano.

Not all is lost for Liverpool though as the transfer window is