According to Marca, Liverpool will have to come up with an offer of £26m to entice Barcelona into selling midfielder Rafinha in this summer’s transfer window.
What’s the story?
Rafinha returned to Barcelona in the summer of 2014 following a loan spell with Celta Vigo, and the Brazilian proved a regular under the stewardship of head coach Luis Enrique.
The 24-year-old managed seven goals in 28 appearances in all competitions last season, but he missed the last couple of months with a knee injury.
According to Marca, incoming Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde is not convinced that he will find a regular spot in the team for Rafinha, which has led to the midfielder being made available.
Barcelona, however, will reportedly not consider offers of less than £26m for a player that has been capped twice by the Brazilian national team.
Are Liverpool the favourites?
According to Marca, Serie A giants Roma and Juventus have both expressed an interest in signing the attacking midfielder, although neither has followed up on their initial enquiries.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have also been credited with a firm interest in the Brazilian, with Jurgen Klopp keen to boost his squad with quality and quantity ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.
It has been claimed that Rafinha “is not convinced” by talk of a move to Liverpool, although the Brazil international would be open to discussions with the Premier League outfit.
It is understood that Rafinha will demand talks with Valverde before deciding whether to seek pastures new, although failing to feature next season would harm his chances of making the Brazil squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
At 24 and with a host of experience at the top level of football, Rafinha would be shrewd signing for Liverpool, although it remains to be seen whether the Reds will come up with the £26m required.
