Leeds United open talks with Barcelona for Rafinha Alcantara

Leeds United have opened talks to sign Rafinha from Barcelona as the Spanish giants look to sell the Brazillian international this summer. Meanwhile, Rafinha is looking to move to The Premier League with his brother, Thiago, who is expected to sign for Liverpool this summer, with Everton and Arsenal recently linked to Rafinha.

SPORT claim that not acceptable offers have come in for Rafinha yet, as Barca are holding out for €16 million, going on to say that Leeds are “knocking on the door“ but there is still a lot to agree on in these early stages.

Celta Vigo are also interested in the 27-year old, as they look to make his loan deal from last season a permanent move, after scoring four goals and assisting two from 30 appearances last season.

Rafinha came through the ranks at La Masia, with a loan two loan spells at Celta Vigo join a spell in Serie A with Inter Milan, but has since struggled to hold down a first team place at The Nou Camp.

Rafinha has two caps for Brazil, scoring one goal having had the choice between Spain and Brazil, as his brother Thiago went the other way as he joined-up with the Spanish national team.

The 27-year old is a versatile midfielder who is forward thinking and can play in the middle and out wide, while Rafinha also has experience as a striker. SPORT go on to say that Leeds will continue to negotiate with Barca as they look to move the midfielder on to pastures new.