Breaking News Raphinha sends Liverpool star Luis Diaz blunt transfer message amid Barcelona interest

Barcelona star Rafinha has delivered a clear message to Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford amid transfer speculation surrounding the Premier League pair. Asked about the prospect of vying with Diaz for his place in Barcelona’s starting XI next term, Raphinha said he is ready for the battle and said that any new arrival would need to show that they can 'work harder' than he does. Diaz has repeatedly been linked with a move to Barcelona, whose sporting director Deco is an open admirer of the Liverpool star. Raphinha, meanwhile, was a talismanic figure for Barcelona last term, chipping in with 59 goal involvements in all competitions as the club won La Liga. “Whoever comes in is going to have to work harder than me, I will not be resting on my laurels and expecting to start,” Raphinha added. "The really important thing is that whoever comes in hard then work hard and fits in to what the team's doing," he said. However, despite the speculation, Diaz recently revealed he would like to stay at Liverpool, provided a new deal beyond his current £33k-a-week contract, which runs until 2027, can be worked out with the club. He said he was happy to play at the Premier League club.