Liverpool have ‘a trick up their sleeve’ to bring £60m star to Anfield

Liverpool have a ‘trick up their sleeve’ in their pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 25-year-old is expected to depart Elland Road this summer following two impressive campaigns on English shores and could make the switch to the FA Cup holders.

According to The Mirror, Liverpool are ‘ramping up’ their interest in Raphinha as Sadio Mane edges ever closer to the Anfield exit door.

Manager Jurgen Klopp is said to be ‘a big fan’ of the Brazil international, and back-up attacker Takumi Minamino could be used as a makeweight in any potential deal.

Raphinha was heavily tipped to join Barcelona, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing his agent had held talks with the club’s hierarchy.

However, the Catalan giants are in a dire financial situation and must sell before they can afford the South American’s hefty £60 million price tag.

That means Liverpool could be in a good position to capitalise, securing Raphinha’s signature from under Barca’s nose, replacing the outbound Mane in their forward line.

Jones believes the possibility of Minamino moving in the opposite direction is ‘one thing to consider’ and revealed he wouldn’t be surprised if a proposition like that is put to Leeds.

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He told GiveMeSport: “That is one thing to consider. If they are serious about Raphinha, then they’ve got that little trick up their sleeve that they can suddenly offer a player that would really help Leeds out.

“And it will help them fulfil the player’s ambition to make that switch that he’s looking for. So, it wouldn’t surprise me if something like that ends up being put to them.”

Since arriving in west Yorkshire in