Player who once refused to train at Leeds United ‘wanted’ by Newcastle United

Barcelona star Raphinha is reportedly on Newcastle United’s wanted list for the summer transfer window - but the Magpies will have to meet on major demand if they wish to take the Brazil star to St James Park.

After suggestions he was unwilling to take part in pre-season with former club Leeds United, the winger was believed to be a target for United last summer before turning down the opportunity to move to Tyneside after receiving an offer from the La Liga giants. Raphinha’s £55m move to the Camp Nou has proved to be a success after he scored nine goals and provided 10 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions during his first season in Catalonia.

However, Barca’s financial predicament has led to suggestion they are in need of ‘making an important sale’ during the summer transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. The report states Newcastle are keen to make a second attempt to sign the Brazilian and one of four major signings set to be made at the end of the season as they look to carry on the momentum built by their surprise push for a Champions League spot during the current campaign.

There is also a suggestion Raphinha could be open to a move away from the Camp Nou after becoming frustrated with Xavi’s insistence on playing him on the left-hand side of a front three. The 26-year-old is said to prefer to play on the right and will only consider a move to a club that will allow him to do so.

Raphinha is not the only player with a Leeds connection to be linked with a move to Newcastle in recent days after Football Insider have claimed current Whites winger Crysencio Summerville is on the Magpies radar as they look to strengthen their attacking ranks.

The 21-year-old has scored five goals and provided six assists in 30 games this season as his side battle against relegation from the Premier League. The report revealed Leeds will demand a fee between £25m and £30m for the Holland Under-21 international and that price tag will not prove difficult for the Magpies to meet.