Monday saw reports indicate the deal to take Leeds United’s star Raphinha to Barcelona is imminent.
These claims are dismissed by Mundo Deportivo on Tuesday, who state the winger is a firm candidate for the La Liga side, despite them working to tie down Ousmane Dembélé to a new contract.
Although several media outlets took the Brazil international’s signing for granted, the 25-year-old’s environment have informed Mundo that “it’s not closed yet”.
The ball is in Leeds’ court and they ‘must validate’ Barcelona’s offer that could reach €60m including variables for the Brazil international, but he Catalan club’s proposal is far from what other Premier League sides are ready to offer them.
Despite interest from elsewhere, Xavi Hernández’s side are counting on the ex-Rennes man’s desire to join them, which he has already informed the Whites of.
The attacker believes his time at Elland Road is over and must take the next step in his career.
At the same time, Jesse Marsch’s man knows the opportunity to join Barca may not come again in the future.
With Raphinha firm in his decision of wanting to fulfil his childhood dream to sign for Barca, Leeds may be forced to sell him to the Blaugrana.
For now, though, as per Mundo, that decision has not been made by the English club.
