Manchester United have been linked with a shock move for Barcelona attacker Raphinha as the January transfer deadline grows ever closer.
With Erik ten Hag having sanctioned loan moves for Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst earlier this month, fans would have been forgiven for expecting United's incoming business to come to an unspectacular but respectable end.
Whilst the potential of further outgoings remains realistic, reports have today emerged stating that the Reds could launch a last-minute move for Raphinha, just six months after the Brazilian swapped Leeds United for Spain.
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Supporters may now anticipate an eventful and exciting end to the window given the club's track record of completing high-profile deals during the dying embers of previous deadline days.
With that in mind, the Manchester Evening News looks at the latest regarding Raphinha's links to Old Trafford and how likely the move is to happen.
Where the rumour has come from
As previously mentioned, it had been anticipated that the latest edition of deadline day would be a quiet one when compared to the manic events that United fans have been subjected to across the last decade.
Supporters will need no reminding of prolonged transfer dealings which saw the likes of Radamel Falcao, Marouane Fellaini and Dimitar Berbatov, just before them, join the club.
Unexpectedly, however, The Mirror report that United may swoop for Raphinha after a somewhat underwhelming start to life at Camp Nou.
The 26-year-old joined Barcelona last summer after becoming the sweetheart of all Leeds supporters following a productive two-year stint at Elland Road. His signature is believed to have cost the cash-strapped Catalan giants north of £50 million.
It is claimed that the club's financial concerns may now convince them into parting ways with Raphinha, however. Now managed by club legend Xavi, Barca are said to be keen on signing Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan but will need to raise funds if they are to do so. That is why a departure for Raphinha has been touted.
Why might United want Raphinha?
As a proven Premier League performer, it cannot be doubted that Raphinha would strengthen the attacking threat of any top-flight side. Upon arriving at Leeds from Rennes in 2020, Raphinha enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign in England. He registered 15 direct goal contributions for the then-newly-promoted outfit, including an impressive tally of nine assists.
Whilst the club's overall performance waned, Raphinha assumed immense responsibility in a relegation crisis and inspired Leeds to survival by scoring 11 Premier League goals across his second season with the club.
Such antics were enough to win Raphinha a first senior call-up to the Brazil squad and earn him a move last summer. He was selected alongside Anthony and Casemiro in Tite's Brazil squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
While United have enjoyed a successful campaign under ten Hag, the Dutchman has been left to rely on the youth of Alejandro Garnacho at times and could add Raphinha to his forward ranks alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and the aforementioned Anthony.
Such depth would only further enhance the probability of domestic success, with plenty of silverware remaining up for grabs.
Is the move likely?
Unfortunately for those who thrive on the drama of deadline day deals, it looks unlikely that Raphinha will be a United player come 11pm tonight.
Once Martin Dubravka's return to Newcastle United had been confirmed, Ten Hag and the Old Trafford hierarchy embarked on fulfilling ambitions to sign a second-choice goalkeeper and striker. The short-term additions of Butland and Weghorst satisfied those desires.
While the MEN understands United are looking into the possibility of signing a midfielder on loan after Christian Eriksen was ruled out until the end of April, another new arrival such as Raphinha to boost Ten Hag's attacking options does not seem to be on the cards.
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