Liverpool could 'have the edge' over Barcelona for the summer signing of Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to finance expert Dr. Dan Plumley.
The Lowdown: Raphinha on the move
The Brazilian has been an impressive performer for the Whites over the past couple of seasons, scoring 17 goals and chipping in with 12 assists.
Raphinha could well move on ahead of the start of next season, though, as he perhaps looks for a fresh challenge leading up to this winter's World Cup.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old in the past but they aren't alone in showing an interest, with Barcelona arguably the favourites to sign him.
The Latest: Liverpool given hope over Raphinha
Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley claimed that the Reds could have an advantage over the La Liga giants in a financial sense, with journalist Pete O'Rourke having recently claimed that an offer of £60m could be enough to persuade Leeds to sell.
The finance expert stated:
"Barcelona need to be careful. They have to be selective with the players that they do want. Liverpool have the edge, you would imagine, if they are keen on Raphinha.
"The reason Barcelona are in that situation is to the league restrictions on wages. They have a soft salary cap. That is where the league tell the clubs what they can spend each year on transfers and wages.
"It is linked to financial indicators around revenue, debt and liabilities. It is also around performance in the previous year.
"The league that set the figure and the clubs have to conform. That is why Barcelona can’t register those players.
"When you compare Barcelona and Liverpool, all things considered Liverpool have the edge from a negotiation point of view. They are in a better position."
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The Verdict: Is Raphinha required?
Raphinha is undoubtedly a fantastic player - he has been hailed as a 'magician' by Leeds team-mate Dan James - and he looks set to have a big future ahead of him wherever he goes.
Whether or not Liverpool need him this summer is up for debate, though, with Darwin Nunez coming in and Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino also representing great attacking options.
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The only way that a move for Raphinha may be needed is if Salah moves into a central role, allowing the Leeds star to take up his right-sided berth - but then what would that mean for Diaz and Nunez?
Barcelona feels like the Brazil international's most likely option, with Xavi arguably more in need of attacking reinforcements at the moment than Jurgen Klopp.
In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.