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.
