Xavi demands Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford swap deal with Raphinha before accepting managerial offer
Marcus Rashford and Raphinha with Manchester United’s badge.
According to reports, Manchester United have made an ‘offer’ for FC Barcelona forward Raphinha as Xavi eyes a reunion with the Brazil international.
Raphinha previously shone in the Premier League with Leeds United and he joined Barcelona for around £50m plus add-ons during the 2022 summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old has impressed for Barcelona in recent seasons, but he was heavily linked with an exit in the summer as the La Liga giants looked to raise funds for signings.
Several Premier League and Saudi Pro League clubs were mooted as possible destinations in the summer, but Raphinha stuck around as Barcelona failed to sign Spain and Athletico Bilbao star Nico Williams.
Raphinha has been sensational for Barcelona during the early months of this season. He scored a hat-trick in his side’s 5-1 win against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night and he has 17 goal involvements in 13 appearances across all competitions.
This report claimed Raphinha would likely cost around 100 million euros (around £83m) and Spanish media are saying Man Utd have ‘made contact with Barcelona’ for the winger.
It is claimed that an 80 million euro (£66m) offer has been ‘tabled’ and Barcelona have responded firmly.
‘Something that has caused Old Trafford to insist on Raphinha again, and they have contacted Barça to put on the table an offer that would be valued at around 80 million, between fixed and variable.
‘But the response from Laporta and Deco has been instantaneous, and it is not for sale. In addition, the 27-year-old winger does not plan to leave either.’
While Man Utd are unlikely to sign Raphinha, they may still be forced to sign a winger as another report in Spain claims Marcus Rashford has ‘asked to leave’.
The report claims Aston Villa are one of three clubs interested in signing Rashford, but a rival are leading the race to acquire his services.
‘In the past, teams such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain fought for his incorporation, but now they are no longer interested at all.
‘Regardless of the price that the Red Devils can request, they no longer have Rashford in the spotlight.
‘Although as luck would have it, there are three teams who would be happy to sign the 26-year-old striker, who is undeniably still in incredible condition, and has a wealth of experience in the elite at his age Olympique de Marseille, Aston Villa and SSC Napoli would welcome him with open arms.
‘In particular, it is Antonio Conte who insists the Italian team’s management to re-sign a United star, as they did with Scott McTominay recently, who is being essential.’
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