Fresh concerns cause swift U-turn as Leeds back off from Barca attacker Leeds have ended their interest in Barcelona attacking midfielder Rafinha Alcantara following initial optimism over a deal, according to a report. Previous claims suggested Leeds led the chase for the Brazilian, ahead of the likes of Everton and Arsenal. The Whites were reportedly keen to see how his versatility and experience would fit in, as the club prepare for their Premier League return. What’s more, Barcelona quoted an exit fee of €16million (£14.3million), which Leeds saw as reasonable. According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), however, Leeds have in fact encountered difficulties on the finances of a deal. The Elland Road club believe the fee is too “expensive” and have met resistance when negotiating with Barca. Barcelona are unwilling to lower their €16million asking price, a fee set when Rafinha moved to Celta Vigo on loan last summer. Furthermore, there are discrepancies as to the contact between Leeds and Barcelona over a deal. Earlier claims said the Whites had registered their interest, but Mundo Deportivo‘s latest report says Barcelona initiated the talks. Barca wanted to tempt Leeds into a deal, given Rafinha is the cousin of new striker Rodrigo Moreno. What’s more, Barcelona have reportedly received interest from several other clubs, who are equally as unwilling to pay Rafinha’s exit fee. Rafinha, though, is keen to wait for a move after entering the final year of his contract. Indeed, should no club come forward before October, he can sign a pre-contract agreement in January. LEEDS INCREASE OFFER FOR LIVERPOOL STAR Meanwhile, further reports claim Leeds have stepped up their interest in Liverpool winger Harry Wilson. While Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa has added a top striker to his ranks, he wants a new winger to boot. Leeds have reportedly submitted a second bid for Rangers’ Ryan Kent, with a £10million offer failing. According to the latest reports, Bielsa’s side have now also stepped up their chase for Wales international Wilson. Read more… The post Fresh concerns cause swift U-turn as Leeds back off from Barca attacker appeared first on teamtalk.com.

Leeds have ended their interest in Barcelona attacking midfielder Rafinha Alcantara following initial optimism over a deal, according to a report.

Previous claims suggested Leeds led the chase for the Brazilian, ahead of the likes of Everton and Arsenal.

The Whites were reportedly keen to see how his versatility and experience would fit in, as the club prepare for their Premier League return.

What’s more, Barcelona quoted an exit fee of €16million (£14.3million), which Leeds saw as reasonable.

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), however, Leeds have in fact encountered difficulties on the finances of a deal. The Elland Road club believe the fee is too “expensive” and have met resistance when negotiating with Barca.

Barcelona are unwilling to lower their €16million asking price, a fee set when Rafinha moved to Celta Vigo on loan last summer.

Furthermore, there are discrepancies as to the contact between Leeds and Barcelona over a deal.

Earlier claims said the Whites had registered their interest, but Mundo Deportivo‘s latest report says Barcelona initiated the talks.

Barca wanted to tempt Leeds into a deal, given Rafinha is the cousin of new striker Rodrigo Moreno.

What’s more, Barcelona have reportedly received interest from several other clubs, who are equally as unwilling to pay Rafinha’s exit fee.

Rafinha, though, is keen to wait for a move after entering the final year of his contract. Indeed, should no club come forward before October, he can sign a pre-contract agreement in January.

LEEDS INCREASE OFFER FOR LIVERPOOL STAR

Meanwhile, further reports claim Leeds have stepped up their interest in Liverpool winger Harry Wilson.

While Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa has added a top striker to his ranks, he wants a new winger to boot.

Leeds have reportedly submitted a second bid for Rangers’ Ryan Kent, with a £10million offer failing.

According to the latest reports, Bielsa’s side have now also stepped up their chase for Wales international Wilson.

Read more…

The post Fresh concerns cause swift U-turn as Leeds back off from Barca attacker appeared first on teamtalk.com.

Jonny Whitfield