LEEDS are plotting a transfer swoop for Barcelona star Rafinha, according to reports.
The Premier League newcomers want to bolster their midfield ahead of their long-awaited return to the top-flight.
Leeds are chasing Barcelona midfielder Rafinha, the younger brother of Bayern Munich man ThiagoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And according to Sport in Spain, Barcelona will demand £14.3million for their academy graduate, who joined the club aged 13.
He has featured 90 times for the senior side, scoring 12 goals, since making his first-team debut in the 2011/12 season but was shipped out on loan to Celta Vigo and then Inter Milan.
Rafinha, 27, spent last season back at Celta who had the option to make the switch permanent for the same fee Barca are quoting to Leeds.
But despite being keen to get a deal over the line, the Galicia side were unable to stump up the cash and Rafinha is keen on testing himself in the Premier League.
Leeds are thought to face some competition for the midfielder, who is the younger brother of Thiago.
Thiago, 29, also came through at La Masia but only spent three seasons as a first-team regular before joining Bayern Munich in 2013.
He has made 235 appearances for the Bundesliga giants, winning seven league titles and the Champions League.
But the victory over Paris Saint-Germain in last month’s European final could be his last appearance as he continues to be linked with a move to England.
Rafinha spent last season on loan at Celta Vigo and would cost the Elland Road club around £14.3mCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Liverpool and Manchester United are among the favourites for his signature with a cut-price deal on the cards with his contract expiring next summer.
Rafinha is also close friends with fellow Spaniard Rodrigo.
And the forward’s club-record £26m transfer to Elland Road this summer may help Marcelo Bielsa land another new signing.
Leeds have brought in nine players in total so far in the transfer window, including Freiburg defender Robin Koch, Arsenal’s Sam Greenwood and Jack Harrison on loan from Manchester City.
Leeds United sign Sam Greenwood from Arsenal after beating Man Utd and AC Milan to the England youth international
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
