Raphinha 'agrees FIVE-YEAR deal with Barcelona’ - Mail Online 27/3/22

Raphinha 'agrees FIVE-YEAR deal with Barcelona as negotiations continue with Leeds over a transfer fee'... with Cesar Azpilicueta also 'close' to a move to the Nou Camp this summer

Leeds winger Raphinha has reportedly agreed a five-year deal with Barcelona

The Whites rejected Barca's latest transfer offer of £29million for the Brazilian

But the Catalan club hope that this new breakthrough will force Leeds' hand

Raphinha's agent Deco continues to negotiate with the Elland Road hierarchy

Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta is also reportedly close to agreeing a Nou Camp deal

By OLLY ALLEN

Leeds winger Raphinha has reportedly agreed terms with Barcelona ahead of a summer move to the Nou Camp.

The Catalan club have been long-time admirers of the Brazilian but face competition from Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich for his signature.

Leeds are said to have rejected a £29million bid from Barca in recent days, but that has seemingly not stopped contract discussions taking place behind the scenes.

According to Sport, Raphinha has agreed a five-year deal in principle at the Nou Camp, with his salary and bonuses also decided upon.

It is claimed that Barca hope that that this will force Leeds to finally accept a transfer offer, with Raphinha's agent Deco continuing to negotiate with the Elland Road hierarchy.

The 25-year-old has reportedly 'given his word' to Barcelona executives that he will sign as he is excited by Xavi's project despite other clubs being able to offer him a higher salary.

Raphinha has scored nine goals in 27 Premier League appearances for Leeds this season and made his senior debut for Brazil in October.

His contract at Elland Road runs until 2024, but the Whites were always likely to face a battle to keep him.

Sport add that Barcelona are 'close' to agreeing deals for four other players: Chelsea pair Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie and Ajax full-back Noussair Mazraoui. The quartet are all out of contract this summer.

It is a statement of intent as Xavi's Nou Camp revolution continues, with January signings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres both making instant impacts.