Agreement in place: Marsch and Orta now very close to losing 'unbelievable' Leeds star – report

Barcelona are reportedly ‘very close’ over a summer move for Leeds United winger Raphinha.

Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to the Catalan giants this year, with reports suggesting earlier this month that Deco, the 25-year-old’s agent, flew out to the Nou Camp. He was looking to progress personal terms, with a contract until 2027 mooted at the time.

The Brazilian, labelled as ‘unbelievable’ by Paul Merson, has remained a regular under Jesse Marsch, scoring his tenth goal of the season against Watford earlier this month.

Sports Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet Sport on Tuesday regarding Raphinha and Barcelona. They claimed that the La Liga giants now have an agreement in place with the winger, and a transfer is ‘very close’.

However, the report adds that striking terms with the Whites will be more difficult, with Barcelona possibly hoping Leeds go down to make a deal easier.

Marsch’s side aren’t safe yet on 34 points with five games remaining, so there’s a chance a return to the Championship could be on the cards.

Should that happen, Barcelona will be able to activate a €25m relegation release clause in the summer, something which would be a disaster for everyone at Elland Road.

There will be no clause if Raphinha helps Leeds stay in the top flight, though, making the next few weeks extremely important both on and off the pitch – stay up, and Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani can demand a huge fee for the wing wizard.

In other news: Radz and 49ers will now reward Marsch if he keeps Leeds up by moving for 29-goal forward. 

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