Leeds United ‘open’ to signing PL player this summer – Whites won’t start talks until situation clearer

Barcelona are keen on Leeds United star Raphinha and this topic is discussed on a daily basis in the Catalan press.

On March 28th, Mundo Deportivo reported the La Liga side and the winger have reached an agreement and his signing ‘only depends on Leeds’.

Today’s edition of Mundo Deportivo explains Jesse Marsch’s side first need to make sure their place in the top flight is secure, before opening talks with the Blaugrana.

Leeds’ position while negotiating with the Catalan club will be different, if they were to stay in the top flight. If they are relegated, they will not have any firm hold in negotiating for the Brazil international’s transfer.

Xavi Hernández’s side paid Manchester City €55m plus add-ons for Ferran Torres in January and the Yorkshire club have this deal as a reference and ‘will not ask Barca for less than that’ for Raphinha.

The newspaper states the Whites, ‘of course, would be open’ to having a young player as part of the deal for the South American. This is when Barca’s Francisco Trincão, who is currently on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, gets a mention.

Wolves have an option to buy, but recent reports have indicated they are unlikely to exercise it.

Mundo suggest Marsch has marked the Portugal international’s name and if the deal involving Trincão and Raphinha goes through, the former can replace the Brazilian at Elland Road.

For now, Trincão being included as a part of the deal for Raphinha seems to be an idea and we’ll know more once there is more clarity on the situation at Leeds in the coming weeks.

The only thing that’s presented as certain is the South American and Barca are ‘on the same page’ for the transfer as he wants to arrive at the Camp Nou in the summer.