According to sources from Spain, Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany is due to visit to Leeds this week to discuss a transfer agreement for Raphinha in order to haggle a lower fee for the winger. The Catalan giants are not giving up on the 25-year-old, who has been listed as one of their top targets for the summer transfer window.
However, Barcelona has so far been unable to reach an agreement with Leeds, and this appears to be the case until they are willing to match the club's £55 million valuation.
Raphinha's contract at Elland Road had a £21 million relegation clause, thus Barcelona were privately hoping Leeds would fail to avoid relegation.
However, that is no longer the case, and any club interested in signing Raphinha will have to pay up.
Alemany is expected to come in England next week for negotiations with Leeds, according to SPORT, and his goal is to persuade them to decrease their asking price.
Barcelona is requesting that Leeds lower their £55 million asking price for Raphinha.
Leeds, on the other hand, appear to have all the cards after ensuring safety on the final day of the season with a win over Brentford.
Raphinha's words while on international duty have also increased their chances of keeping their best player.
Given the strong competition in attack for the Selecao, Raphinha is currently focusing on improving his chances of reaching Brazil's World Cup roster.
"I'd be lying if I said it doesn't matter," Raphinha remarked, citing the fact that the World Cup is less than six months away.
"I have to be active in my current club, which influences my decision, but I am confident in my abilities."
Whether I stay at Leeds or go, I will give it my all, find my place, and do my best to be fit for the World Cup."
Deco, a former Barcelona and Chelsea offensive midfielder, is representing Raphinha and hopes to help his former team by brokering a transaction.
Although an agreement between Barcelona and Raphinha is thought to have been reached in February, talks between the two clubs have stalled.
Raphinha has refused to rule out a move in the next weeks and months, despite acknowledging that game time is his top desire.
"The match versus Japan is on Monday, and then I'm going on vacation," he added.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0