Leeds United are reportedly set to accept Barcelona's bid to sign attacker Raphinha, which could rise to €68m (£57.7m) with add-ons.
The 25-year-old, who has been left out of the Whites' pre-season tour of Australia, has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, who allegedly had a £55m bid accepted at the end of last month.
However, Raphinha has been holding out for a switch to Camp Nou this summer and Barca now appear to have made their move for the Brazil international.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have submitted an official offer for Raphinha which includes an upfront payment of €58m (£49.2m), and the deal could rise to €68m (£57.7m) with add-ons.
Romano adds that Leeds are set to accept this bid and the attacker's transfer to Catalonia has now entered the 'final stages', with all parties waiting for Barca to be in a position to register the player before he can sign.
Due to their financial predicament, Barca are currently unable to register any of their new signings, including Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, but there is still a level of optimism from the La Liga club that they can conclude a deal for Raphinha and register all three summer recruits ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Raphinha was an invaluable first-team player who helped Leeds avoid relegation from the Premier League in 2021-22, and in his two seasons with the West Yorkshire outfit, he has recorded 17 goals and 12 assists in 67 appearances across all competitions.
Oliver Thomas
