"Most likely outcome" - talkSPORT reporter now drops big claim on £40.5m-rated Leeds United star

Leeds United star Raphinha is ‘most likely’ to join Barcelona regardless of whether Premier League football heads back to Elland Road next season, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Although the Brazilian’s £60,000-per-week deal with the Yorkshire giants is not due to expire until the summer of 2024, there are question marks over whether he will remain with the Whites beyond the upcoming transfer window.

It appears Barcelona are the frontrunners to prise Raphinha away from Leeds as the Catalan giants are reportedly preparing a summer bid despite halting talks until the end of the season.

But the La Liga outfit are not the winger’s only admirer as West Ham United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown an interest.

In fact, West Ham were the first club to show they were serious about wanting to conclude a deal as they headed to the negotiating table with a £50million bid in the January transfer window, but they were left frustrated as Leeds rejected the proposal.

Interest in Raphinha should not come as a surprise as he has contributed 28 goals and assists since making the £17million move to Elland Road in 2020.

The 25-year-old heads into the final day of the season, when Leeds will go to battle with Brentford, having found the back of the net 10 times.

Arsenal LOSE advantage in top four battle with DEFEAT at Newcastle! Full reaction on The Football Terrace

Crook is certain that Raphinha will not be on Leeds’ books by the time next term gets underway, with Barcelona being his most likely destination.

The talkSPORT reporter feels the seven-cap Brazil international and team-mate Kalvin Phillips are set to move onto pastures new regardless of whether the Whites maintain their