The Reds have been dealt a major blow in their plans to sign Leeds United first-teamer Raphinha in the ongoing summer transfer window with the Elland Road outfit claimed to be unwilling to sell the Brazillian forward.
Reports from Leeds Live claim that Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United are unlikely to land the signature of the former Rennes man who impressed in his debut campaign for Leeds United last season.
Raphinha had courted significant interest from Jurgen Klopp’s Merseysiders heading into this summer with the Reds keen on bolstering their attacking options should they let go of Xherdan Shaqiri amid interest in the Swiss international from a number of clubs across Europe.
With six goals in 25 league outings for Leeds, Raphinha had established first-team regular credentials under the veteran Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa which could be a reason behind Leeds wanting to retain their in-demand winger beyond this summer.
It remains to be seen whether Klopp will weigh up a swoop for any of his other targets on the wishlist for Liverpool who will be backed to reclaim the Premier League crown upon the start of the 2021-22 domestic campaign.
