Liverpool are reportedly gearing up for a swap deal for Leeds winger Raphinha, with the Reds’ Japanese attacker Takumi Minamino in consideration for the swap.

As reported by The Mirror, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has long been a fan of the speedy, 25-year-old Brazilian and is keen on securing his signature with Sadio Mane eyeing an exit.

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Mane, who had been an integral and indispensable part of Klopp’s squad since joining the Reds in the 2016-17 season, is reportedly set to depart for Bayern Munich as Liverpool look to cash in on the 30-year-old Senegalese before his contract expires next summer.

Mane’s impending departure would leave a large vacuum in the Liverpool squad, despite Klopp having the likes of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz to fill in for the Senegalese.

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Raphinha, who impressed last season, scoring 11 goals and notching three assists despite Leeds’ poor Premier League season, would be a perfect addition to the Liverpool squad, and the Brazilian’s Premier League experience would also be invaluable in helping him settle quickly.

That being said, securing the Brazilian’s signature is unlikely to be a straightforward affair, with the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona also interested in the forward. With Barcelona saddled with debt and on the road to financial recovery, it is unlikely that they will be able to meet Leeds’ asking price of £60 million for Raphinha. Bayern, however, remain in the race, and could swoop in for the forward.

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Raphinha, for his part, has not speculated about his future, telling the press, “I have a contract with Leeds until 2024, my future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds.”

However, the Brazilian has said that wherever he goes, he wants regular game time, especially with the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar coming up in November.