Liverpool have reportedly held a long term interest in Raphinha and with Sadio Mane potentially leaving this summer the club were set to ramp up their interest in the player, but now a new update has emerged that would make the transfer a non-starter.
What's the latest?
According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, Raphinha and his agent Deco have rejected an offer from Liverpool.
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As per the report, the Leeds United winger is said to favour a move to La Liga giants Barcelona this summer, with Raphinha specifically prioritising negotiating that deal over anything the Premier League club is willing to offer.
The Brazilian is said to be desperate for a leading role in Xavi Hernandez's side next season, despite being the reported chosen replacement for Mane by Jurgen Klopp.
FSG surely fuming
If Raphinha was the chosen replacement for Mane this summer, FSG will surely be fuming that the winger does not see the move to Anfield as a priority or an option at this point and they will now need to reassess and identify another replacement.
The £60m wizard who was dubbed "phenomenal" by Rio Ferdinand, has been an undeniable force for Leeds finishing the season as the top goal-scorer and leading the side out of their relegation troubles with a goal on the final day of the season that helped the side remain in the Premier League.
In total, the Brazilian found the net on 11 occasions, showing how dangerous he can be in the final third.
The blow with Raphinha comes as Aurelien Tchouameni also turned down a move to Liverpool after agreeing terms with the club, but has since received a more tempting offer from another La Liga club, with Real Madrid now agreeing a deal with the midfielder according to Fabrizio Romano.
Not all is lost for Liverpool though as the transfer window is yet to open and they still have a while to find their replacement for Mane with Darwin Nunez and Christopher Nkunku two of many targets thought to be seen as players who could join the Merseyside club this summer.
With that being said, the Reds must move on fast and work quickly to make sure they are not caught short next season should the Senegalese winger leave in the coming weeks or months over the window, and FSG should have no trouble attracting talented players to the six-time Champions League winning club.