Barcelona 'willing to listen to offers for Raphinha'

The Brazil international joined the Catalan giants for a reported £55m plus add-ons from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, and he became a La Liga and Spanish Super Cup champion in his first season at the club.

Raphinha started 36 games and made 14 substitute outings across all competitions for Xavi's side last season, contributing with 10 goals and 12 assists.

However, the 26-year-old has struggled to reach the heights expected so far this season and has been unable to establish himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Indeed, Raphinha has started just nine of his 16 appearances for Barca across La Liga and the Champions League this term, scoring just two goals and providing six assists.

Xavi has preferred 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal over Raphinha on numerous occasions on the right flank, while the likes of Ferran Torres and Joao Felix - on loan from Atletico Madrid - have also featured regularly in the final third with central striker Robert Lewandowski.

Raphinha is under contract at Camp Nou until the summer of 2027, but the winger's long-term future in Catalonia is believed to be uncertain.

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, Raphinha is no longer considered non-transferable and Barcelona are willing to entertain suitable offers for the winger in the New Year.

Raphinha has previously expressed his happiness at Barca and has reiterated his desire to flight for his place at Camp Nou.

However, a possible departure less than two years into his stay with the La Liga champions could be on the cards, with a number of Premier League clubs believed to be interested in his services.

Sport claims that Manchester United are one of those clubs keepings tabs on Raphinha and have sounded out a potential swap deal with Barca including out-of-favour winger Jadon Sancho.

Sancho is widely expected to depart the Red Devils in the New Year having not played for the club since September following his well-documented fallout with manager Erik ten Hag.

Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with Raphinha, with a report last month claiming that they have stepped up their pursuit of the former Leeds man after ending their interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

A possible big-money switch to Saudi Arabia has also been mooted for Raphinha, with representatives of Middle Eastern clubs said to have made contact with Barcelona to discuss the winger's availability.