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Manchester United must find a replacement for forward Marcus Rashford, who recently revealed his desire to leave his boyhood club.
Following that infamous interview, Ruben Amorim left him out of the matchday squad for three consecutive games and the club allowed him to go out on loan in the winter.
However, given the poor form of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, INEOS need to find a reliable goalscorer and Barcelona’s Raphinha could be the answer, according to a Spanish report relayed by F365.
The Brazilian has been in great form this season, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions.
Fiery Raphina
He has started all but one game this season, such is his importance in Hansi Flick’s system, it will be interesting to see whether the Catalan club agree to let him go.
Although he primarily played as a left winger, he was also used on the right and as a number 10, and his versatility made him a huge attraction for Amorim.
His Premier League experience at Leeds United before moving to Spain makes him an attractive prospect for INEOS.
According to the report, Amorim is “obsessed” with the Barca star and “he hopes to persuade Joan Laporta and Deco to allow him to join the Red Devils”.
United are willing to pay €80 million plus a variable fee of €80 million for the Brazil international, whom Flick sees as an “essential pillar”.
Amorim dreams of Raphinha.
Given the financial difficulties of the Catalan giants, such a large offer “could raise suspicions at the Camp Nou”. It remains to be seen whether United will be able to splash out such a huge sum in January, or whether a summer strike will be on the cards.
Raphinha’s contract with Barca runs until 2027 and his current market value in Brazil amounts to €60 million.
Aside from the Brazil international, Manchester United are also said to be interested in Amorim’s Lisbon junior Victor Gyoqueres and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel.
All three deals will likely cost the 20-time English league champions around €230 million next summer.
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