Brazil winger Raphinha's £60M transfer from Leeds to Chelsea hits hurdle as agent Deco tries to force Barcelona move

Raphinha's proposed £60M move from Leeds United to Chelsea has hit a stumbling block with his agent Deco pictured at the Nou Camp, reportedly negotiating a move to Barcelona instead. Brazil winger Raphinha was thought to be close to joining Thomas Tuchel's Blues as the first signing of the Todd Boehly era, but his agent is attempting to scupper that deal in favour of a move to Barcelona, according to Spanish reporter Gerard Romero.

Ad/> Raphinha's future has been a hot topic this summer, with Tottenham and Arsenal thought to be highly interested. While Spurs' attentions have shifted to fellow-Brazilian Richarlison, Arsenal were reportedly closing in on the Leeds star before Chelsea agreed a fee of around £60M on Tuesday, according to Fabrizio Romano.

TransfersNeymar: From chasing the Ballon d’Or to getting farmed out on loan — The Warm-Up11 HOURS AGO New owner Boehly has been in direct contact with Deco over the potential deal to sign the eight times-capped winger who scored 11 Premier League goals last season — playing a huge role in preventing Leeds dropping down into the Championship. /> However reports have been clear that Raphinha's favoured move would be to Barcelona and Deco was at Barcelona's club offices on Wednesday, in talks over a move to La Liga instead.

Barcelona has been consistently reported as being Raphinha's preferred destination if he were to leaves Leeds this summer, but the Spanish giant's financial troubles seemed certain to undermine any potential deal. The Blaugrana reportedly must raise significant funds before the end of the financial year — three days from now — but have planned to do so by selling their television rights on.