Journalist shares update after claim Newcastle have bid for Raphinha

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Raphinha to Newcastle United has been doing the rounds in the media in recent weeks, but the claim has now been disputed by the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards.

Newcastle are long term admirers of Raphinha, having tried to sign him shortly after the takeover when he was still at Leeds.

He was also a target last summer, and was described as Eddie Howe’s ‘dream signing‘. But he would join Barcelona instead, costing £55million.

The 26-year-old has done well in Spain, but there have been recent reports stating that he could be sold. AS suggested that Barcelona are internally willing to cash in on Raphinha, as they look to boost their financial situation.

Unsurprisingly, Newcastle have been linked with a move. But a story on Wednesday moved things along further.

Spanish journalist Gerard Romero stated that the Magpies had made a verbal offer for the winger, telling Barcelona that they are willing to pay £71million for him. That would be a club record deal for Newcastle.

The story sounded completely farfetched, and it has now been squashed by the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards.

Edwards dismisses talk of Newcastle bidding for Raphinha

The journalist has taken to Twitter to dismiss claims that Newcastle have made a verbal offer for Raphinha. He has also played down any summer interest from Newcastle in the Brazil international.

He wrote: “Sorry to be that guy, but before things and people get carried away I’ve checked out the Raphinha to #nufc story and I’m reliably informed by multiple sources that there is not any truth in claims they have made a verbal offer or indeed intend to bid for player this summer.”

While Edwards has apologised for being ‘that guy’, it was a story that did not really make much sense to begin with. Talk of a big money offer for a Brazil international is always going to excite fans, but a deeper look showed it was probably nonsense.

The Telegraph reporter believes it is just that, adding that Newcastle have no plans to bid for Raphinha ahead of next season.

The Magpies are in the market for a winger, and have been linked with the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Moussa Diaby and Harvey Barnes. They are all exciting players. Any one of them would be welcome on Tyneside.

So would Raphinha, but it does not sound like Dan Ashworth is going to make a move. Instead, it is likely that Barcelona are looking to leach off of Newcastle’s financial situation to boost their own.