Liverpool 'lead Manchester United, Manchester City in Raphinha race'

Liverpool are reportedly at the head of the queue for Leeds United attacker Raphinha.

The 24-year-old joined the Whites from Rennes last summer and enjoyed an impressive 2020-21 campaign in the Premier League, scoring six goals and registering nine assists in 30 appearances.

Raphinha has a contract at Elland Road until June 2024, and Marcelo Bielsa's side are said to be determined to keep hold of him, but the transfer speculation surrounding the attacker continues to gather pace.

Man United and Man City have both been credited with an interest in the Brazilian, who showed his versatility by operating in a number of different forward positions last season.

However, according to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Liverpool are leading the race for the South American ahead of this summer's transfer window.

Longari claims that any deal for the attacker would be complicated due to the fact that Leeds are determined to resist any offers that might arrive in the upcoming market.

Raphinha has previously represented Vitoria Guimaraes, Sporting Lisbon and Rennes.