Reports have claimed that Brazilian winger Raphinha has handed in a transfer request to Leeds United amidst links to Barcelona.
The reports also claim that Barcelona have been intimated of the latest developments surrounding one of their key transfers and that the Catalan giants will step up their move for the 25-year-old in the coming week.
Leeds are poised to lose a number of their players this season with Kalvin Phillips on Manchester City’s radar and Jack Harrison on Tottenham Hotspur’s and Newcastle United’s list.
Raphinha is a target for a number of clubs as well, but the Brazilian is understood to favour a move to Barcelona more than the other clubs lining up for his signature. Leeds have already rejected a club record £46 million bid for Raphinha from Barcelona, which drove the player to hand in a transfer request, per SPORT.
Other reports believe Raphinha has agreed on personal terms with Barcelona and following his transfer request, the club will now push for his signature. Leeds, however, hold all the cards as they are now safe in the Premier League.
Battle for Jack Harrison between Spurs and Newcastle
Harrison, who occupies the left side of Leeds’ attack, could also be leaving in the summer alongside Raphinha.
Newcastle had him on their January shortlist but he stayed at Elland Road. Spurs have taken the initiative to make a move but Newcastle have chosen to step back into the fray to initiate a bidding war.
Spurs have turned to Harrison after losing out on Luis Diaz who chose to move to Liverpool in January. Newcastle, on the other hand, have been reported as willing to part ways with Allan Saint-Maximin to open up space for Harrison on the left side of their attack.
The Magpies want Harrison as his ability to cross the ball is better than Saint-Maximin’s, which will make him a perfect fit for strikers Callum Wilson and Chris Wood.
If Harrison were to leave Elland Road, Newcastle will have to do a lot of convincing as the 25-year-old will have his head turned by the prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League with Spurs.
Leeds are close to the signing of Red Bull Salzburg man Brenden Aaronson on the behest of manager Jesse Marsch. The American winger can play as a wide man and as an attacking midfielder and will be a good replacement for Harrison.
An added bonus is that Marsch and Aaronson have worked together, so the pair will be able to communicate well enough.
