Sources: Liverpool set sights on Rayan, Andoni Iraola key to deal
Liverpool are keeping tabs on the performances of Bournemouth star Rayan this season, sources have told Football Insider.
The 20-year-old has caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs since his arrival at the Vitality Stadium last summer and is now being closely monitored.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are still assessing a number of targets for the right-hand side of their attack after missing out on late moves to strengthen the position.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Andoni Iraola is a big fan of Rayan after their time together at Bournemouth and could push to land a deal.
After a strong first six months in English football, the Brazil international has continued his fine form this season and scored in a win against Lincoln City earlier this week.
Liverpool are said to be keeping a close eye on Rayan's progress ahead of the 2027 transfer windows, and could make a move to reuinite him with his former boss.
Could Liverpool make a move to sign Rayan?
Football Insider reported back in April that Bournemouth faced competition in bringing Rayan to England, with Newcastle having also been among his suitors.
However, after his move to the Vitality Stadium, he has gone from strength to strength and caught the eye of the Premier League's top sides ahead of his first full season at the club.
Liverpool are now among those keeping tabs on his situation in case he becomes available in 2027, with the winger now on their list of winger targets.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "There's obvious links between Rayan and the Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.
"Iraola was at Bournemouth when they signed him, and obviously he made a massive impact there, he got seven goal contributions in 15 games which is pretty good going.
"Obviously, links with Liverpool are pretty easy to come up with in that respect because of who the manager is.
"Iraola is a big fan of his, having worked with him before, so of course it is a possibility and Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on his performances for Bournemouth this season.
"That release clause would probably be a bit expensive for Liverpool, but I'm sure he is a player that's on their list because of the obvious links between the manager and the player as well."
Which other right-wingers are on Liverpool's radar?
Rayan is not the only winger Liverpool are targeting ahead of the transfer windows in 2027, whether it be in January or the summer, with multiple big names on their radar.
Despite pulling off the late signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, they mate late attempts to land other targets, but have been forced to delay their plans.
Instead, Football Insider revealed on 5 September that Liverpool are considering making another move to sign Ismaila Sarr in January after missing out on a deal.
The Reds made a £50million offer for the Crystal Palace star late in the window, but saw the bid rejected by the Eagles, who had no plans to let him leave at that stage.
However, with Sarr still out of action for Palace after missing out on a move, there is a feeling it could be on the cards in January with all parties keen to get it done.