Manchester United are ‘very close’ to signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to reports, in a move which could boost the La Liga side's hopes of signing Raphinha from Leeds United. Catalan media outlet SPORT , via SportWitness , have reported that Erik Ten Hag’s first major signing is imminent, with Barcelona previously quoting around €80 million (£68.3m).
That could pave the way for Xavi to step up efforts to sign Leeds’ Brazilian winger who has been a long-time target for the Spanish giants. Raphinha scored 11 goals and racked up three assists in the Premier League last season, at times single-handedly shouldering the creative burden.
His intentions to play for Europe’s elite is well-known, but a contract until 2024 has Leeds in the driving seat. The winger is unlikely to force a move away and has cited guaranteed playing time as a deciding factor in his decision ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
READ MORE: Barcelona director of football 'to meet' Leeds United amid Raphinha transfer interest
Leeds’ survival on the final day at Brentford strengthened their negotiating position massively, relinquishing the reported relegation clause that would have seen the 25-year-old leave for just £25million. They have now set their conditions, demanding around £60-70 million paid upfront, with no consideration of installments.
Such a lump sum was proving problematic for Barcelona, whose financial situation has been well-documented. The club had to offload Lionel Messi last summer as they could not afford to re-sign him, while key players such as Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have all accepted huge pay cuts.
But if they can make roughly that amount from the sale of Dutch midfielder de Jong, then that should free up some space to move for their number one target. Barcelona's director of football is reportedly due to fly to the UK this week to open discussions with the Whites hierarchy after frustrations in West Yorkshire over the Spanish side’s refusal to budge.
Mateu Alemany could well visit Old Trafford first to finalise the sale, before heading across the Pennines to try and soften Leeds’ stance. Raphinha has also been the subject of interest from Liverpool, who see him as a potential replacement for the departing Sadio Mane.
Jurgen Klopp’s willingness to use Takumi Minamino as leverage had the Reds in a strong position, but Barcelona’s new-found financial clout should help them - with the Spanish club thought to be Raphinha’s preferred option.
Although it may take some time for any concrete developments, with the Leeds winger currently on international duty with Brazil and then planning on a holiday.
