Leeds ‘negotiations underway’ after claim they’ve pipped Barcelona to deal

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa during the Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley

Leeds United are closing in on securing a La Liga transfer after seeing off interest from Spanish giant Barcelona, per a report.

Leeds United made securing their future a top priority over the summer. The Whites signed five rising teenagers including Lewis Bate from Chelsea and current back-up goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson.

And according to a recent Sport Witness report, the west Yorkshire outfit have their eyes firmly fixed on another starlet. That came two days after they insisted a ‘full agreement’ was in place.

They claim Leeds have managed to ‘get ahead of Barcelona’ in the race to sign Espanyol’s Mateo Joseph Fernandez.

The forward, 17, is currently in the Espanyol’s academy and is attracting widespread attention. But citing Spanish outlet Grada3, it’s stated a contract impasse has thrust his future into doubt.

Espanyol want Fernandez to pen fresh terms, though there is no indication he is willing to do so.

As such, a sale is speculated and Leeds are declared to be in negotiations with the youngster.

His release clause reportedly stands at just €1.5m, but it’s noted Leeds could go one better. A €1m agreement is reported to be in the works.

Bruno Fernandes pushing Manchester United to move for Leeds' Raphinha

Bruno Fernandes pushing Manchester United to move for Leeds' Raphinha

Bruno Fernandes is said to be pushing Manchester United to move for Leeds' Raphinha, with more updates on Dusan Vlahovic and Noa Lang.

Espanyol’s unhappiness about potentially losing one of their brightest talents is duly noted. It’s stated had he signed a new deal over the summer, he would’ve been included in their pre-season plans.

For now at least, it appears Fernandez is on course to call Elland Road his new home.


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Fernandes scheming to bring Raphinha to Man Utd?

Meanwhile, Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes remains in contact with Leeds star Raphinha ahead of the January transfer window, according to The Sun.

The brilliant winger was linked with a switch to Old Trafford earlier in the year, but the Red Devils chose to complete deals for Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo instead. 

However, a report on Friday suggests that Solskjaer will greenlight another bid for the 24-year-old in the new year.

Fernandes previously played alongside Raphinha at Sporting Lisbon, with the duo striking up an impressive connection on and off the field. And the United star, quoted by The Sun, has been full of praise for his old team-mate.

“I miss Raphinha,” he said. “He is a player with whom I had a different chemistry from the others, he understood me at a glance.”

And Raphinha has now responded, revealing he’s still in contact with the United star. To that end, a January enquiry for the Leeds attacker could still be a possibility.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher refers to Leeds star as a ‘brilliant young player’