Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has praised Leeds United winger Raphinha for his recent form.

The Brazilian international is believed to be on Liverpool and Chelsea’s radar, and Merson claims that the forward has the ability to play at the highest level:

“This lad is different class. I think he could play for anybody, works hard, and he has got talent in abundance. He is a proper, proper footballer.”

Leeds are reportedly trying to ward off potential suitors by offering Raphinha a new contract worth £100,000 a week, but his agent (former Blues star Deco) said back in October that the player is waiting to make the “biggest leap in his career.”

It has been confirmed that Liverpool did enquire about the 25-year-old’s services last summer but any move for him is likely to be dependent on Mo Salah’s future.

Raphinha plays almost exclusively as a right-winger, which is also Salah’s favoured position. If the Liverpool star decides against signing a new contract with the Reds, it’s possible that the Leeds star will be targeted as his replacement.