Chelsea target Raphinha could boost Man Utd chase to sign Frenkie de Jong

 

MANCHESTER UNITED inching closer on signing Frenkie de Jong after extensive negotiations with Barcelona...

Chelsea target Raphinha could ultimately hold the key to Manchester United's hopes of signing Frenkie de Jong as Erik ten Hag refuses to give up on a reunion with his former midfielder. The Red Devils still remain optimistic of concluding a deal, despite deadlock in negotiations with Barcelona after over a month of talks with the Catalan giants.

Yet that's where Raphinha comes into play as he continues to hold out for a move to Barca.

Xavi and the board want to sign him as a replacement for Ousmane Dembele but financing a deal is currently proving difficult.

Raphinha will cost a minimum of £60m due to the fact Leeds have already accepted an offer worth that value from Chelsea.

But he is looking to give Barca the time to fund the cash to satisfy Leeds' valuation, as he looks to fulfil his dream move to Camp Nou.

Ultimately, the quickest way to finance the move would be to sell De Jong - who is worth a similar value to Raphinha (if not more).

United are already on hand, ready to pay the cash meaning the ball is firmly in Barcelona's court.

Yet there is still hesitance from their side as Xavi and the board are still keen to keep hold of De Jong, despite their temptation to offload and balance the books.

With Dembele currently on course to leave and Adama Traore back at Wolves, a first-choice winger is of huge priority.