Tottenham Hotspur would ‘definitely improve’ their first-team squad if they can secure the signature of Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 25-year-old is widely expected to depart Elland Road in the summer transfer window following an impressive 18 months on English shores.
What is the latest news involving Raphinha?
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have already made an opening offer of €35 million (£29m) for Raphinha, who is keen to complete a move to Camp Nou.
Transfer expert and well-known reporter Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the Brazil international’s situation, revealing Barca are ‘in well advanced talks’ with Deco, the player’s agent.
However, Romano also stated that ‘the official negotiation with Leeds’ won’t start immediately and that any talks ‘will take some time’, leaving the door ajar for other potential suitors to show their hand.
And Barcelona could face extensive competition for Raphinha’s signature after The Mirror disclosed how Liverpool, Manchester City, West Ham, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich have also shown an interest.
The report goes on to claim that Leeds have placed a £60 million price tag on their prized asset, a fee that cash-strapped Barca may struggle to pay at this moment in time.
What has O’Rourke said about Raphinha?
Despite Leeds’ struggles at the wrong end of the table this season, Raphinha has continued to shine, seemingly dragging his team up the table on his own at certain points of the campaign.
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In 27 Premier League appearances, the South American sensation has registered nine goals and three assists, and O’Rourke believes he would be a valuable addition to Tottenham.
He told GiveMeSport: “We know what a great player he is, one of the most exciting attacking players in the Premier League right now and somebody who would definitely improve that Spurs team.”
Would Raphinha move to Tottenham?
Former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood has urged his old side to snap up Raphinha ahead of their rivals, and it could be a match made in heaven.
His tally of 12 goal contributions sees him fall behind only Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min in the north London outfit’s squad in terms of productivity in the final third of the pitch.
Therefore, Tottenham boss Antonio Conte may be tempted to try his luck with Raphinha and pounce on his apparent availability.
At Spurs, he would surely be guaranteed more game time than at Liverpool, City and Bayern, while Barca’s financial turmoil means their ability to sign him is far from certain.