Manchester United are reportedly 'in talks' with Barcelona over a move for Frenkie de Jong in a deal which could pave the way for Raphinha to join the Spanish club. The Red Devils have been trying to get a deal over the line for some time as new manager Erik Ten Hag sees the fellow Dutchman as the key to his side's midfield woes.
Barcelona have previously quoted around €80 million (£68.3m) for the midfielder, with a sale potentially funding their future move for Leeds winger Raphinha. The 21-year-old scored 11 goals and racked up three assists in the Premier League last season, attracting major interest from Xavi's side who have placed him at the top of their transfer list.
But with a contract until 2024, the Whites are in no position to crumble under pressure and they have dug their heels in with demands of between £60-70 million to be paid upfront. Barcelona's financial problems are well-known - 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.
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And just this week the club's vice president for finance Eduard Romeu said he believes €500 million is needed to save the club. But the sale of de Jong for roughly the amount needed to bring in Raphinha could open up the door for the Spanish side to make a move.
Leeds are by no means ready to keep Raphinha against his will, but reman stubborn in their valuation while the winger has maintained his commitment to the club despite wanting to progress onto the European stage. There was fleeting interest from Liverpool and, more recently Arsenal, but the former Rennes player's desire is on a move to Barcelona, just as long as they can cough up the money.
The summer is set to be a busy one at Elland Road as those in charge try to fend off interest for their two key assets: Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips. A price tage of around £60 million has been set for both, but elite European clubs are circling and could be willing to pay the fee.
Manchester City have a keen interest in Phillips as a successor to the departing Fernandinho, while Jurgen Klopp is also said to be keen on both stars as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of another title push. Leeds will have contingency plans in place should one or both of them leave.
