Glen Johnson: Leeds ace Raphinha could be tempted to join Liverpool in January
Glen Johnson believes Liverpool have a chance of luring Raphinha away from Leeds United during the January transfer window.
The Anfield outfit will be without attacking duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in the coming weeks due to international engagements, with both set to play starring roles for their respective countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Jurgen Klopp could be forced to bring in someone to provide cover for them in January, and with the Egyptian linked with an exit, the Reds will be keen on getting a potential successor soon, and Johnson has told BoyleSports the Elland Road outfit could be tempted to cash in on their Brazil international forward.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “No disrespect to Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi, they’re not Mane and Salah.
“They’re good impact players, certainly Origi, but I don’t think he’s at their level. Liverpool will be looking to buy someone, not just for the games Salah and Mane will miss, but even for next season.
“I like Raphinha, he’s a good player, he’s very intelligent, he’s good on the ball. He’s got a bit of Riyad Mahrez about him, the way he glides around. He could be a good impact player for them. He’s a realistic target.
“No disrespect to Leeds, but the player is going to want to go to a top team.
“Leeds are struggling and could want to take the money. There are other players out there, but sometimes it’s too difficult to get them out of their clubs. With Raphinha, it’s a real, serious opportunity.”
Tiring
The Leeds faithful are tired of hearing pundits and reporters constantly linking the former Rennes star with an exit, and the stories are gathering pace ahead of the January transfer window.
Liverpool know they need to keep up with Manchester City in the title race, and losing Mane and Salah to the AFCON is not going to do their chances any good.
A move for Raphinha could indeed be on the cards, but would the West Yorkshire outfit be open to a deal right now?
It will take top dollar for them to be tempted into selling him midway through the season, but it does not appear that Liverpool will be willing to spend between £50million to £80million on a player in January.
Raphinha will most likely have to do with a place on the bench once Salah and Mane return, and it is why a move to Anfield might not tempt him.
Nothing can be ruled out, though, but it is hard seeing the Whites agree to sell the main player who has kept them away from the bottom three at the moment.
In other Leeds United news, Whites chiefs recently jetted out of the UK for talks.