CHELSEA and Newcastle are both interested in signing Raphinha from Barcelona, according to reports.
The 26-year-old could be forced to leave the Nou Camp this summer amid Barcelona’s ongoing legal battles.
The La Liga giants were charged with corruption last week after it emerged that club chiefs continued to pay the head of Spain’s refereeing committee over a period of 17 years.
And on top of that, they have been banned from buying any players this summer due to Financial Fair Play.
Barca president Joan Laporta could be forced to resign from his post as a result of the club’s turmoil.
And a number of players could have to leave the club as officials desperately look to raise funds.
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According to Spanish outlet SPORT, one of the players expected to go is Raphinha.
Chelsea and Newcastle are understood to be keen on signing the Brazilian.
However, Raphinha does not want to leave Barcelona.
Xavi is eager to keep him at the Nou Camp, although he could be forced into a sale if the club cannot offload a number of other players.
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The winger has scored nine goals and assisted nine in 37 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona so far this season.
He has also played a crucial role in the club’s La Liga title charge.
Raphinha joined the Catalan giants in a £55million transfer from Leeds last summer after rejecting a move to Chelsea.
But Barca chiefs are convinced that they could earn a profit if they decided to sell the winger at the end of the season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
