Raphinha says 'yes' to Barça after first offer made to Leeds

Raphinha has made it clear he wants to join Barcelona after SPORT revealed the Catalan club have made a first offer of €35 million for the Leeds United player.

The Brazil winger has asked Deco, his agent, to do everything possible to help him sign for Barcelona this summer.

Raphinha, 25, feels his moment has arrived. A regular with the national team, he will go to the World Cup as one of the key attackers in Tite's squad.

And he feels absolutely prepared for the next step in his club career: to play for a big club like Barcelona.

Raphinha has experience of three European leagues already, Portugal, France and England, and his performances have impressed Barça coach Xavi Hernandez.

The Catalan club have turned to him as a possible replacement for Ousmane Dembele, with the Frenchman still expected to leave when his contract expires this summer.

Raphinha, who has an Italian passport, has a contract with Leeds until 2024 and a 75 million euro release clause, has rejected the chance to extend his deal at Elland Roads to open the door to a move away.

As well as Barça, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also interested. Chelsea have also asked but are currently in an uncertain period following the sanctions against their Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

Now it's up to Deco and Barça to move the operation forward. For now, the ball is in Leeds' court. The Premier League side must respond to Barça's first offer.