Former Red Glen Johnson believes Leeds United's Raphinha is 'good enough' to break into the Liverpool starting XI.
The Merseyside club have been heavily linked with the Brazilian in recent times and although their interest is well documented, it's yet to go beyond that. He's under contract until 2024 but has been tipped to leave Elland Road this summer.
Barcelona currently lead the race for Raphinha's signature, although Arsenal and Chelsea have also previously been linked. Johnson, however, says the 25-year-old could rival the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz for a starting spot under Jurgen Klopp.
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He told Bettingodds.com : "I think he’s good enough to nail down a place in the starting XI. I think if you sign for a bigger club, then you’ve got to expect to fight for your place.
"I think he is good enough to bang the door down and I do believe he will get enough game time at Liverpool. Bear in mind that if he does go to Liverpool then they’re going to play twice as many games as Leeds do.
"However, I do believe he will get his game time and I think he’s good enough to nail down a place in the starting 11."
Liverpool, though, have turned their attention elsewhere amid belief Sadio Mane will leave the club for Bayern Munich this summer. The club are closing in on a deal for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez to fill the void left in the squad by the Senegalese.
Despite his versatility, Raphinha is predominantly a right winger and Salah has already confirmed his intention to remain at Liverpool next season amid ongoing contract negotiations.
