Barcelona respond to Manchester United approach for Raphinha

Barcelona would be open to selling Raphinha if Manchester United meet their €60 million (£51.2m) asking price, according to reports in Spain.

The 27-year-old joined Barca for an initial £49m fee from Leeds United two years ago and has scored 20 goals in 87 appearances since his move to Spain.

But following the emergence of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha’s minutes have been reduced and the Brazil international started just 17 games in La Liga last season.

According to Sport, Raphinha does not want to leave Barcelona this summer but the club are open to a sale in order to ease their financial situation.

The report claims that Manchester United have registered their interest and view Raphinha as their top choice to replace Jadon Sancho and Antony, who could leave Old Trafford before the end of the summer transfer window.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are said to have made it clear that they would give Raphinha’s exit the green light if United submitted an offer worth €60m (£51.2m).

When asked about his future as he joined up with Barcelona for their pre-season tour of the United States, Raphinha replied: ‘I’m looking forward to working with Hansi Flick.’

Barcelona are under pressure to raise funds as they are currently unable to register new signing Dani Olmo.

The Spain international was signed in a €60m (£51.2m) deal from RB Leipzig last week.

However, there is now a major doubt as to whether Olmo will be registered with the squad in time for their La Liga opener against Valencia on Saturday.

Barcelona are also looking to offload Brazilian forward Vitor Roque with Bournemouth and Everton both keen on the 19-year-old, who was signed in a €61m (£52.2m) deal from Athletico Paranaense last year.

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