Xavi targets Raphinha as Barcelona join Premier League giants in race to sign Leeds star

The Spanish giants have reportedly joined Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the race to sign the winger

Liverpool face competition for the signature of Raphinha, according to the Express (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire)

What the papers say

Heavyweights continue to line up for Leeds winger Raphinha, with Barcelona reportedly the latest club to throw their hat in the ring for the 25-year-old. The Daily Mirror says the Spanish giants have joined Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the race to sign Raphinha, who has a reported price tag of £60million.

Manchester City are also monitoring Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell, according to The Sun. The 22-year-old has had a stellar season, rewarded with a maiden call-up to the England squad this week, and his form has attracted the attention of City bosses, as well as Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham.

The Daily Express reports Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta is torn between extending his stay at Stamford Bridge and taking up an offer from Barcelona. The paper says the 32-year-old defender, out of contract at the end of the season, has been offered a two-year deal at the Nou Camp, while Chelsea have the option of extending his contract by a year.

Under the Government sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich, Chelsea are currently not allowed to offer new deals to members of their squad, but that will change when the club’s new owner is installed.

Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta is out of contract at the end of the season (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire)

The Evening Standard says West Ham could make yet another move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, despite having a previous bid of £50m rejected in January.

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Divock Origi in action for Belgium (David Davies/PA) (PA Wire)

Divock Origi: The Liverpool striker is in talks with Inter Milan and AC Milan over a potential free transfer in the summer, says 90min.

Antonio Rudiger: Sky Sports says the 29-year-old Chelsea defender has been made an offer by Juventus.