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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that he 'admires' Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Deco admires a few players - so do I.

I like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha."

Yamal and Raphinha are two of Barca's prized assets, and both players are in the running to win this year's Ballon d'Or.

Yamal has contributed to 22 La Liga goals this campaign at just 17 years old, and Raphinha has contributed to a staggering 21 in the Champions League alone.

Whether Slot stands a realistic chance of landing the high-flying pair is another matter.

Yamal and Raphinha are believed to be bound by contracts containing £840million release clauses.

The Egyptian's league numbers are far superior to those of both players, but his chances could be hurt by the fact the Reds 'only' won one trophy and crashed out in the Champions League round of 16.

Slot said: "I have a lot [of hopes] for him, he's had very good seasons at Liverpool but this one probably stands out in terms of numbers and because we won the league.