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*

A prominent journalist has given Leeds fans renewed hope of landing one of their primary transfer targets. The Athletic’s Phil Hay is the go-to man for Leeds United transfer news, and his update on the Rodrigo De Paul saga will have Whites fans excited.

Speaking on his own podcast, The Phil Hay Show, he spoke positively of De Paul’s interest in a move to Elland Road. This is huge for Leeds, considering there had been some concern that he might be too keen on a move.

“He [Rodrigo De Paul] is keen, there is no doubt about that and Leeds from their part are very keen as well.

"But it’s interesting because Leeds haven’t really moved hard to get anything else done since Rodrigo and Koch were done that weekend and £40m went out.”

A Gazzetta Dello Sport article claimed Udinese are holding out for £36.9 million for De Paul, and they are in no hurry to sell him if no one meets the asking price.

It was also noted he would like to move to a club with Champions League football, but Hay doesn’t think that will get in the way if Leeds stump up the cash.

He said, “Any other transfers and signings will rely very heavily on what Bielsa feels he needs. He doesn’t feel like he needs surplus players.

"It would be hard to describe De Paul as a surplus player, he looks like a terrific signing. Leeds could do it financially. If Leeds decide to go for it properly, my gut feeling is that yes he will [join Leeds].”

Leeds are clearly right in the mix for the Argentina international, a player who would bring class and experience to their squad. Once again, the pulling power of Marcelo Bielsa is on show.

Leeds Made To Wait For Liverpool Youngster

The Liverpool Echo linked Leeds with Liverpool winger Harry Wilson earlier this month. The rumour has resurfaced on the BBC, but it’s unlikely will happen before the two teams meet this weekend.

Simon Stone of the BBC commented on the transfer in a video on transfer gossip.

Stones claims there is no way a deal happens before the start of the season, but believes they could continue negotiations next week with Liverpool wanting over £15 million for Wilson.

Leeds aren’t the first team to be linked with Wilson, an exciting young talent who showed flashes of brilliance on loan at Bournemouth last term.

Several other Premier League clubs have been mentioned as potential landing spots for the 23-year-old, though some may be put off by the transfer fee for a player with only one season of top flight experience.

Wilson is a good option for Leeds as they pursue another attacking player, though they might look elsewhere considering the competition for his signature.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*