Raphinha’s preference, Man Utd ‘brother’ and Liverpool snub as Arsenal prepare £50m bid

Raphinha celebrated with the Leeds United fans on the final day of the Premier League season as the Whites secured survival.

The Brazilian had been a leading light for the Elland Road outfit in what had been a season of struggles. His 11 goals proved crucial, but whilst he continued to contribute, the feeling was the winger may be seeking pastures new sooner rather than later.

Leeds' Premier League status means they can drive a harder bargain than they would have in the second tier, but Raphinha is still more likely to leave Yorkshire than he is to stay. Several of England's elite are eyeing the Brazilian, who has become a regular with the national side.

Arsenal are ready to back up their interest as they prepare a £50m bid with Mikel Arteta seeking to bolster his attacking options are seeing the Gunners narrowly miss out on the top four. Their north London rivals Tottenham retain an interest but it is the Emirates hierarchy who are looking to test Leeds' resolve.

Spanish heavyweights Barcelona are also keen and have long been the ideal destination for a South American star - the likes of Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho are testament to that. Raphinha is no different and his agent Deco has even agreed personal terms with the Camp Nou outfit, who are in the midst of a rebuild under Xavi.

Barcelona's finances could yet hold up the deal however with the books far from balanced in Catalunya. The Catalans were banking on Leeds being relegated, which would've activated a clause in the player's contract that made his exit far more simple.

Instead Leeds have slapped a £60m price tag on the winger despite the player's future being far from shored up, with contract talks ongoing. That could yet force the club into selling