Leeds 'REJECT £29m bid from Barcelona for Raphinha' - Mail Online 25/3/22

Leeds 'REJECT £29m bid from Barcelona for Raphinha' as they seek a replacement for Ousmane Dembele, with the Brazilian star also on Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich's radar

Barcelona have had a bid turned down by Barcelona for forward Raphinha

The 25-year-old is seen as a replacement for Frenchman Ousmane Dembele

Xavi is looking to bolster his squad further having stamped his mark on the side

Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern are also keen on the Brazil international

Should Barca miss out, they could turn their attentions to RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo

By SAM MAY

Leeds United have turned down a bid from Barcelona for their Brazilian forward Raphinha, according to Sport.

The 25-year-old is a target for the Catalan giants should Frenchman Ousmane Dembele depart the club this summer.

Barca have offered €35million (£29m) for the Brazil international, considerably less than what Leeds value the payer at.

Jesse Marsch's side have told Barcelona chiefs they must pay the €75million (£62.5m) release clause in Raphinha's contract if they are to prize him away from Elland Road.

Raphinha, who has an Italian passport, is under contract at Leeds until 2024, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Bavarian giants Bayern Munich also monitoring his services.

But the presence of a coach like Xavi and the progression of a young team are factors that the winger likes a lot.

A regular with the Brazil national team, he will go to the World Cup in Qatar later this year as one of the key attackers in Tite's squad.

It is understood his first choice is Barcelona with the player keen to play his club football at the Nou Camp.

Xavi is now likely to hold off in his attempts to sign him, however, with question marks still remaining over the future of Dembele, who continues to be linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

If Leeds are relegated from the Premier League, Barca could secure Raphinha's services for as little as €25million (£20.8m).

They will have to act fast, however, with other European giants circling. Should the club miss out on him, they could well turn their attentions to RB Leipzig's Terrasa-born forward Dani Olmo.