Newcastle United supporters urge PIF to sign 'perfect' £55m star following Champions League masterclass

Newcastle United supporters were begging to “get Raphinha to the Toon” following his stunning brace against Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcelona stunned the Parisians 3-2 in their own backyard - giving them a solid chance of reaching the Champions League semi-finals. Many stubborn Toon fans were rooting for the Catalans, with Tino Livramento’s controversial stoppage-time penalty at the Parc des Princes still stinging in the mind.

Raphinha proved the difference with two goals to give PSG an uphill task in the second leg. His first came from a rebound, coolly slotting home with his right foot from just inside the area to give Barca the lead.

After the host fought back to go 2-1 up, Raphinha restored parity. Pedri floated a perfectly weighted ball over the PSG backline only for the Brazilian to smash a volley into the bottom corner.

He was soon withdrawn before Barcelona regained the lead but Newcastle fans were already calling for his arrival at St James’ Park. One fan wrote: “Raphinha on smoke tonight! Get him to the Toon I beg (wishful thinking I know).”

Another posted on social media: “With Lamine Yamal's emergence, Raphinha's minutes on his favoured right flank will be limited at Barcelona. I still feel like he's the perfect profile for #NUFC in that position. I would absolutely love to see it happen.”

Newcastle were linked with Raphinha before his £55million move to La Liga. The 27-year-old has starred for Leeds United, almost single-handedly keeping them up a year before their eventual relegation.

Raphinha has since become a seasoned Brazil international but financial uncertainty and the emergence of young stars places his Barca future in doubt. The Magpies were linked with potentially reigniting their interest earlier this year.