RAPHINHA wants to join Leeds’ arch-rivals Manchester United instead of Barcelona, reports claim.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road after playing a mjor role in keeping the Whites up.
Brazilian winger Raphinha has been linked with a move away from Leeds this summer
Raphinha chipped in with 11 goals and three assists from 35 Premier League games to help Leeds beat the drop on the final game of the campaign.
Should the Yorkshire outfit have been relegated, the ex-Rennes ace would have been available for £21million due to a clause in his contract.
But it is believed that the forward will now cost in excess of £40m following their 2-1 win against Brentford.
The figure hasn’t put off Barcelona, with the Blaugrana still prepared to bring the player to the Nou Camp.
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But they face competition from the Red Devils in the race to secure the Brazilian’s services.
And according to the Daily Express, Raphinha may favour a switch to Old Trafford should he decide to depart Leeds.
They claim that Bruno Fernandes could be key in Raphinha’s decision, with the pair playing together for a year at Sporting Lisbon.
Raphinha opened up on their excellent relationship last year during an article he wrote for The Players’ Tribune.
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He said: “My older brother is Bruno Fernandes. At least that’s the way I see it. Our friendship began even before we became team-mates at Sporting.
“Once he knew that I was going there, he texted me saying he was looking forward to playing with me.
“I know that I would have arrived at the club in a very timid way if I hadn’t known anyone there before, so he really helped me settle quickly.
“Bruno has helped me so much. In Portugal we would talk a lot and go out for meals. When I went to Rennes, he advised me. The guy is so clever.
“When I was on the plane to Leeds, he texted me saying my style would fit the league. He was right again.
“Just being around him is an inspiration because of the way he behaves. At the top level I have never seen anyone work as hard as him.
“You know it will be very difficult to do what he does, but if you try long enough and listen to what he says, you might get close.
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“I like to tell him that the next time we play each other, I’m going to nutmeg him. We always joke around with each other.
“I’ll see you on the pitch soon, brother. Make sure to keep your legs closed.”
