Liverpool are ready to turn their sights on Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips with their No.1 target Aurelien Tchouameni on the brink of signing for Real Madrid - and they could even plan a huge double swoop for Phillips and Raphinha. Liverpool reportedly see the Brazilian winger as a successor to Sadio Mane, who looks increasingly likely to join Bayern Munich.
And now, with Monaco-based Tchouameni seemingly on the way to Spain, Jurgen Klopp has zoned in on Leeds’ midfield lynchpin to strengthen their ageing midfield in what could end up a massive summer at Elland Road. Leeds do not want to sell either of their two stars, but understand the lure of Champions League football and Premier League title challenges may prove irresistible - they have contingency plans in place should one or both leave.
Both players are valued at around £60 million, and the Whites’ final day Premier League survival puts the club in the driving seat when it comes to selling their star assets. Had they been relegated, Raphinha would have left for just £25 million, while the departure of Phillips would likely have been similar. But Leeds are in a position to more than double those valuations now, and with Leeds-born Phillips reportedly ready to sign a new deal, Liverpool would have to pull out all the stops to entice the 26-year-old.
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Manchester City have also been heavily linked with the 2021 England Player of the Year, eyeing him as a replacement for Fernandinho and competition for Spanish midfielder Rodri, while Manchester United, West Ham, Newcastle and Aston Villa all had a fleeting interest.
Raphinha’s departure seems a little more likely, however, with Spanish giants Barcelona firmly linked with the Brazilian man. The Catalan club are struggling to put the cash together to mee Leeds’ demands, and with no intention to allow instalments, Liverpool could well swoop in and take the former Rennes man from under Spanish noses.
The Reds have the financial clout to pay upfront, and Klopp is also believed to be willing to use Japan international and former RB Salzburg forward Takumi Minamino as leverage in the deal, although that deal would have to be upped significantly if they were to sign Phillips as well.
It is a saga that is sure to drag on throughout the summer, but Leeds don’t look like budging on their conditions for either Raphinha or Phillips. If Liverpool want either, they will have to put up the money.
