'In recent days...' - Journalist reveals Newcastle 'offer' made to sign 'world-class' attacker

Reliable journalist Gerard Romero has revealed that Newcastle United made an ‘offer’ to Raphinha ‘in recent days’.

It has been reported that FC Barcelona will use a chunk of their new war chest funded by the sale of a portion of their TV rights to take Raphinha from under the noses of Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Leeds United winger has attracted a lot of interest this window, and looks certain to leave Elland Road.

Taking to Twitter, Romero has revealed that Barcelona and Leeds are ‘about to close the deal’ for Raphinha, adding that the Magpies recently made an ‘offer’ that was ‘turned down’ by the Brazil international:

“Barca and Leeds, about to close the deal for Raphinha. Barca offers a figure around €60m.

“Barca and Raphinha have agreed a salary of €6m net per season.

“In recent days, the player turned down an offer from Newcastle.”

It certainly is a blow for the St. James’ Park outfit that they now look set to miss out on Raphinha after trying to hijack the swoop for his signature.

Hailed as ‘world-class’ by former Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson, and dubbed a ‘nightmare’ for defenders by former Premier League right-back Alan Hutton, the 25-year-old has the ability to change a game, emphasised by his team-high four man-of-the-match awards for the Peacocks in the top flight last season.

Of players to make five or more appearances in the division, Raphinha ranked as LUFC’s highest-rated performer, finishing as their top scorer with 11 goals and making a further three assists (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, there is no doubt that he would have been a phenomenal signing for Eddie Howe’s team.

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