Manchester United make offer to sign €50 million-rated forward, player blocks move: Reports
Manchester United have made an offer for Leeds United forward Raphinha, but the player has his heart set on a move to Barcelona. According to Spanish outlet Sport, Raphinha has been blocking offers from Manchester United and several other Premier League clubs for months.
The said report claims that Liverpool and Chelsea have also approached the Brazil international. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also made their offers for the 25-year-old.
However, the Leeds winger is still holding out for a move to Barcelona who have reaffirmed their interest in him. The report also states that Raphinha's agent Deco, who formerly played for Barcelona and Chelsea, is working to find a solution before the end of June.
Raphinha scored 
⚽ Raphinha scored 1️⃣1️⃣ goals in the @premierleague for @LUFC last season! #LUFC #MOT @bmsheetmetal https://t.co/p112QZYlJe
As per Sport, Leeds value their star winger at €50 million but Barcelona have been asking the Whites to lower their demands. The Manchester United target has also asked the Yorkshire club to continue their negotiations with the Blaugrana.
Raphinha has been brilliant for Leeds United since his £17 million move from Ligue 1 side Rennes in 2020. The Brazil international has scored a total of 17 goals and has provided 12 assists in 67 games for the Whites till date.
His form for Leeds has also seen him earn a place in Tite's Brazilian national team. He has nine caps for Selecao, netting three goals. The 25-year-old has been a key reason why Leeds United managed to avoid relegation on the final day of last season.
Manchester United are yet to make a transfer this summer
With their rivals signing one player after the other in the transfer market, Manchester United must start soon. The Red Devils had a thoroughly underwhelming season last time out, having only managed to secure a sixth-placed finish. They are yet to make a signing this summer.
Erik ten Hag has taken up a massive challenge by becoming the manager of Manchester United, who have been on a constant downward spiral over the years.
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is concerned by the club's lack of transfer activity: "They [rivals] have strengthened. Man United have far more work to do than that."
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils have fallen off their perch, which is why Ten Hag will have to deal with a monumental amount of pressure.
The 20-time English champions need to act soon in the transfer market, especially with most of their rivals having started their business. Raphinha has what it takes to become a massive success at Old Trafford but the Red Devils must be ready with a plan B since he prefers a move to Barcelona.
Ten Hag has reportedly set a deadline for signing talented Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong. He wants the club to sign the Dutchman before the pre-season starts.