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First bid imminent for attacker – £32m deal has Michael Edwards written all over it

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Raphinha of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leeds United at Etihad Stadium on April 10, 2021 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Leeds United are in talks with Liverpool over signing Harry Wilson amid links between the Reds and Raphinha which makes for an interesting story.

Mercado Ingles reported on the 31st of May that Liverpool are preparing a ‘first official bid’ to sign Raphinha from Leeds this summer worth £32million as the Reds look to bolster their attacking ranks.

This was then refuted by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth before it was claimed by Gianluigi Longari, who said: “Confirmed. Liverpool lead the race for Raphinha but also Manchester United and Manchester City are following the winger. Not a simple deal because Leeds want to keep him.”

Now, Mercado Ingles interestingly adds that Leeds are in negotiations with Liverpool over Harry Wilson after the Welshman returned to the club following his loan with Cardiff City.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Harry Wilson of Liverpool during a training session at Melwood Training Ground on September 29, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

While I would have loved to see Wilson get more opportunities at Anfield, if Klopp wanted him in his side, he would have been given a chance a long time ago and it’s now in the player’s best interest to leave.

He could be of use to Liverpool, however, if it’s true that Leeds are a fan of his as it could help the Reds negotiate a better deal for Raphinha but even then, just one year after he moved to Elland Road, it’s going to be so tough to sign him.

In his first season, the former Rennes star got 6 goals and 9 assists and could be the best player to replace Xherdan Shaqiri with if the Switzerland international leaves this summer as expected.

As I wrote on Saturday: “He still has three years on his contract with Leeds and so they are under pressure to sell and can therefore demand a massive fee for his services which would likely become an issue for Liverpool.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Raphinha of Leeds United scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park on November 28, 2020 in Liverpool, England.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Raphinha of Leeds United scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park on November 28, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“If I had to guess, I imagine Leeds would demand anywhere between £50m-£60m for his services and while Liverpool are in the market for a new forward, that is simply too much for the Reds to be spending on a player that would not be guaranteed a starting spot.”

Liverpool selling Harry Wilson to Leeds could bring the price down by around £20million if previous player sales are anything to go by.

Michael Edwards somehow managed to negotiate a £19m fee for Dominic Solanke and a £23.5m fee for Rhian Brewster.

The latter failed to score a single goal as the Blades got relegated despite a club record fee being sanctioned to sign him.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Rhian Brewster of Sheffield United reacts during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on April 24, 2021 in Sheffield, England.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – APRIL 24: Rhian Brewster of Sheffield United reacts during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on April 24, 2021 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Wilson still has two years on his contract and so it shouldn’t be too hard to get £20m for his services and if Leeds are interested and assuming they value Raphinha at around £60m, signing the Brazilian for less than what was paid for Diogo Jota would be sensational business.

This kind of deal has Michael Edwards written all over it.

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