Barcelona set Raphinha bid limit
Raphinha to Barcelona seems set to become the transfer saga of the summer. The Catalan club are said to be big fans of Leeds United's star winger but it appears that the two clubs are some way apart on a fee for the Brazilian.
Leeds will want to maximise the amount they can get for Raphinha, as he has lit up the Premier League since making his move from Rennes. He has also gone on to become an important player for Brazil during his time at Elland Road. The club would expect to receive the kind of fee that reflects an attacker of Champions League level quality.
However, according to reports in Spain, Barcelona have set the limit they are prepared to go to for the Leeds star at €40million with €10million in add-ons. That would equate to less than £35million in an upfront fee, which is an amount far less than Leeds are likely to accept.
Read more: Barcelona loanee Francisco Trincao profiled as Leeds United Raphinha swap deal links emerge
Raphinha is supposedly keen on a move to the Nou Camp. However, the prospective buyers will surely have to increase their upper limit on their bidding if they are to secure him. Should it become clear that Leeds will sanction a sale, there may well be a bidding war, as Raphinha is well admired by top European clubs.
Previously linked full-back set for Premier League return
Ola Aina was linked to Leeds back in January, although Victor Orta did not make a move for the Torino full-back. However, there are claims that the former Fulham and Chelsea man is keen to return to the Premier League in the summer.
Leeds could be in the market for a right-back in the next window, with Luke Ayling turning 31. Calciomercato have claimed that the Whites are one of the clubs interested in Aina, with Crystal Palace and West Ham also named.
On-loan man sees hopes of permanent deal fade
After a slow start to his loan move to Valencia, Helder Costa had become a regular starter by November. At that time, it looked likely that the Spanish club would activate the clause in his deal to make his loan a permanent move.
However, since January, Costa has fallen down the pecking order again as Bryan Gil joined on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The 28-year-old has played only 133 minutes since then and is very much on the periphery of things at the Mestalla.
A permanent deal now looks increasingly unlikely. This means Leeds will need to find a new buyer for the player they spent £15million on.
Go here for all the latest Leeds United news
