Journalist makes key claim over 'perfect' Leeds hero; club 'still strong' in race to sign him

Barcelona are still eyeing up a summer move for Leeds United star Raphinha, in whom Chelsea and Manchester United are also showing an interest.

The 25-year-old was superb in Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 win at home to Norwich City, recapturing the form that he had been displaying earlier in the season.

Raphinha is Leeds’ top scorer in the Premier League with nine goals in 2021/22, and his reputation continues to grow across Europe and around the world.

The Brazil international has been linked with various moves away from Elland Road in recent months and a new update has now emerged.

According to journalist Gianluigi Longari on Twitter, Barcelona look like the front-runners to acquire the winger’s signature, but Chelsea and Man United are also in the race

The Italian tweeted: “Barca still strong in Raphinha race. Chelsea obviously in stand-by. Also Manchester United are following Leeds ace.”

Raphina’s Leeds career does feel as if it is reaching its natural conclusion, even though there is still hope that he could sign a new contract at Elland Road.

For starters, relegation to the Championship would surely make the decision for the Brazilian there and then, as playing in the second tier would simply not be an option for a player of his quality and likely ambition.

Raphinha must surely feel that he now belongs at a Champions League level – Michael Owen has described his technique as ‘perfect’ – and Whites supporters should be prepared for his potential exit this year, with the huge money set to be received for him likely to be the one main positive to take from losing arguably the club’s best player this season.

In other news, Phil Hay has given a key Leeds injury update. Read more here.

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