Newcastle United face missing out on Raphinha, who reportedly has his heart set on a move to Barcelona.
According to a report from SPORT, the Catalan giants are really keen to land the Brazilian, and the feeling in mutual.
Raphinha has apparently informed their executives that he wishes to join. And he would commit to a five-year contract.
Xavi has endorsed the signing, and it seems he is wanted to replace Ousmane Demeble, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
He will have a leading role, starting on the right wing.
Crucially, right at the end of the report, SPORT say that ‘there is no possibility that Leeds will organise an auction to try to sell their star to the highest bidder, nor that new interested parties will appear that make the operation more expensive’.
So seemingly, Newcastle will very much struggle to sign Raphinha this summer.
Raphinha looking set for Barcelona is a shame for Newcastle
It does sound like the player really wants to head for Spain.
They may have struggled in recent times, but the huge lure of Barcelona remains. And they do actually appear to be on the up again under Xavi.
Raphinha would be a brilliant signing by Newcastle.
We have seen him establish himself as one of the best players outside of the Big Six clubs, and he really has wowed during his time in England so far.
He is highly creative, but also tireless when it comes to his work-rate.
He’d likely be a superb player under Eddie Howe, but it looks as though this one just isn’t meant to be.