Major Leeds transfer twist emerges as club have 'submitted a first offer' for 'phenomenal' star

Barcelona have reportedly made their first bid for Leeds United winger Raphinha, making him their first-choice summer transfer target.

The Whites have had a tough season in the Premier League and they still face a huge battle to remain in the division with eight matches remaining.

Raphinha has been a standout performer for Leeds, registering 12 goal contributions in the league – nine goals and three assists – but he has been endlessly linked with a move away.

A fresh update could be the biggest indication yet that the 25-year-old is moving on to pastures new, in a twist from previous reports which claimed Barca will not move for the Elland Road star.

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], it is now the Catalan club’s ‘number one goal’ to sign Raphinha this summer, moving on from Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

There is already thought to be ‘open negotiation’ regarding a move and the Catalan giants have ‘submitted a first offer’ for the winger.

Raphinha’s head will surely be turned by the prospect of joining a club of Barca’s stature, especially with Xavi seemingly turning the club’s fortunes around after last weekend’s 4-0 win away to Real Madrid.

Some true Brazilian greats have represented them down the years, whether it be Romario, Ronaldo or Ronaldinho, and the Leeds star, hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by Rio Ferdinand, could be desperate to follow in their footsteps.

Leeds are a special club in their own right, but even the most hardened supporter would find it tough to begrudge Raphinha a dream move to Spain if it happens, with the Whites receiving a huge fee which can then be spent on new signings.

In other news, an expert has made a key Leeds ownership claim. Read more here.

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