Newcastle United have become the latest club to hold talks with Leeds United over a potential move for Raphinha, as the race for his signature continues to heat up this summer.

The Brazilian winger has just two years left on his current deal at Elland Road, and is garnering interest from Premier League clubs and abroad.

While his preference would be a move to Barcelona, it is unlikely that the Catalan side can stump up the reported £65m fee that Leeds are demanding for their talisman.

This has left Arsenal in pole position for his signature at present, but Newcastle are debating whether to enter into the race for the Brazilian and, according to the Northern Echo, have held talks with Leeds United about a potential move.

This comes amid Bayer Leverkusen rejecting their advances for Frenchman Moussa Diaby, who was thought to be their first target in the wide areas. As a result, they have switched their attention to Raphinha.

Newcastle United hold talks with Leeds United for Raphinha amid Arsenal and Barcelona interest

Moussa Diaby is expected to stay at Leverkusen this summer despite interest from Newcastle. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

However, it is reported that Eddie Howe and co are ‘waiting to see how things develop with the Brazilian before deciding whether to table a formal offer for the winger’.

In truth, the Magpies are unlikely to be able to better interest from sides around Europe that can offer European football, though they could perhaps persuade both Leeds and Raphinha on the financial side.

Ekitike deal off

Meanwhile, Newcastle have been dealt another blow as their hunt for a striker is set to resume following a deal for Hugo Ekitike falling through at the last moment.

It is thought that both Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich have both expressed interest in the teenager, making a deal near on impossible to complete.

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