Manchester United need to find a replacement for wantaway star Marcus Rashford after the forward recently revealed his desire to leave his boyhood club.
Since that infamous interview, Ruben Amorim has dropped him from the matchday squad for three games in a row and the club are open to a loan exit in the winter.
However, given the poor form of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, INEOS need to find a reliable goalscorer and as per reports in Spain, as relayed by F365, Barcelona’s Raphinha could be the answer.
The Brazilian has been on fire this season, netting 17 goals while also registering 10 assists across all competitions.
Raphina on fire
He has started all but one game this season, such is his importance in Hansi Flick’s system, and it will be interesting to see whether the Catalan club agree to let him go.
He has mainly played as a left winger but has also been deployed on the right and as a No 10, with versatility a huge draw for Amorim.
Having been at Leeds United prior to his move to Spain, his Premier League experience makes him an attractive prospect for INEOS.
As per the report, Amorim is “obsessed” with the Barca star and “he hopes to be able to convince Joan Laporta and Deco” to allow him to join the Red Devils.
United would be willing to pay €80 millions and 10 more in variables for the Brazil international considered an “indispensable pillar” by Flick.
Amorim dreams of Raphinha
Given the Catalan giants’ economic difficulties, such a massive offer “could cause doubts at the Camp Nou”. Whether United can cough up such an exorbitant amount in January or whether a summer assault is on the cards remains to be seen.
Raphinha’s contract with Barca is valid until 2027 with the Brazilian’s market value currently standing at €60 million.
Apart from the Brazil international, United are also reportedly interested in Viktor Gyokeres, Amorim’s protege in Lisbon, as well as Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund.
All three deals will likely cost the 20-time English league champions around €230 million next summer.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
