According to Friday’s top Leeds United transfer news columns, Leeds are the front runners to sign Barcelona midfielder Rafinha before the end of the summer window.
The Whites are preparing to face Liverpool on Saturday in their first Premier League fixture since 2004 but we could see more transfer activity at Elland Road in the coming weeks.
Rafinha is one of the players set to leave Barcelona this summer, with club officials making major changes after a disappointing 2019/20 season at Camp Nou.
Per Sport Witness, Leeds are now strong favourites to sign the midfielder this summer. The player would bring some valuable experience to Marcelo Bielsa’s young squad.
Rafinha has found himself in and out of the team at Barcelona and a switch to the Premier League could reignite his career, though he did make 29 La Liga appearances last season.
One of Barcelona’s more physical midfielders, Rafinha could add bite to a Leeds side that will want to rough teams up on their return to England’s top table.
Celta Vigo have also been linked with a move for the Brazilian but reports in Spain state that Leeds look set to beat the La Liga side to Rafinha’s signature before October.
In an exclusive interview with 888sport, former striker Ian Rush praised Leeds ahead of their return to the Premier League and Rafinha would further bolster their squad.
No Move Yet For Julian Draxler
French media outlet RMC Sport are claiming that Leeds have contacted Paris Saint-Germain over wantaway Germany international Julian Draxler.
According to reports, PSG sporting director Leonardo will let Draxler leave the club before the end of the summer transfer window after the German played just 22 matches in all competitions last season.
The chance to play first team football in the Premier League is likely to appeal to Draxler, though some reports state that he is keen to remain with the Ligue 1 giants as they look to challenge for Champions League glory.
Leeds United are trying to convince Julian Draxler to join from PSG. pic.twitter.com/R67yWOHHfu
— Transfer News (@TransfersLlVE) September 8, 2020
Still only 26 years old, Draxler has plenty to give and would be a real asset at Elland Road as Leeds look to build a competitive Premier League squad. Rodrigo is their marquee signing so far but Draxler would be some coup.
It would be a real statement of intent from Leeds if they could bring Draxler to the Premier League but a deal looks some way off at this moment in time. However, Leeds fans will hope that Marcelo Bielsa can work his magic in the coming weeks.
Dinamo Zagreb Manager Bigs Up Gvardiol
In a rare move, Dinamo Zagreb boss Zoran Mamic has spoken to Scouted Football about Josko Gvardiol ahead of his impending switch to Leeds United.
Mamic heaped praise on Gvardiol, stating that he is a “totally modern centre-back”.
In addition, Mamic revealed: “His defensive skills, like one-on-one and aerial abilities, are amazing.
“There are centre-backs with those kind of qualities, but the things that make him different from others and better is the fact that he can play. He wants to play.
“His playmaking abilities are amazing. He’s left-footed too, which is always a very nice thing in football.”
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*
