boss Eddie Howe might have to fulfill Raphinha's demand to play in his favoured place if the Brazilian completes a swap to St James' Park this summer time. Newcastle are on track for a historic season as they proceed to combat for a top-four spot.
Regardless of the place Newcastle end, they're anticipated to spend huge this summer time in a bid to bolster Howe's squad. Based on , Raphinha has emerged as a prime goal for Newcastle after they missed out on a deal final summer time.
The 26-year-old turned down a suggestion from Newcastle 12 months in the past when Barcelona got here knocking. Leeds obtained £55milion from Barcelona for Raphinha, however the Catalan membership at the moment are seeking to stability their books this summer time and the winger may very well be sacrificed.
Barcelona are reportedly in want of 'making an essential sale' to lift vital funds and Newcastle are displaying robust curiosity in signing Raphinha. He is stated to be one in every of 4 huge signings Newcastle's Saudi house owners want to make on the finish of the season.
However Howe will seemingly have to just accept Raphinha's calls for to play in his favoured place on the proper wing to persuade him of a transfer. It is claimed that Raphinha has been sad with Barcelona boss Xavi for usually being deployed on the left.
Ousmane Dembele is Xavi's first alternative on the proper, forcing Raphinha to play a back-up function. The Brazilian star has began 17 video games for Barcelona within the league this season and he is performed a pivotal function of their bid to win La Liga.
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He scored the successful objective in latest video games in opposition to Valencia and Athletico Bilbao in addition to serving to Barcelona choose up all three factors in opposition to Osasuna again in October. For Howe, he is admitted that bringing in "elite" gamers shall be Newcastle's precedence this summer time.
He stated: "I consider when you've got elite gamers – which I believe Bruno is – the usual of coaching will increase, the demand on the gamers which are in your squad then will increase with it.
"Additionally they set a extremely good instance by way of sure issues that you really want delivered on the coaching pitch, so sure, I believe he has raised requirements. It is one of many key issues about recruitment: you need to attempt to convey gamers in that stimulate the group to enhance and competitors to convey the most effective out of all people."