Report: Barcelona eye Mahrez as Raphinha alternative

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Barcelona have made contact with Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez as a potential alternative to Leeds United star Raphinha, according to a report from Foot Mercato.

Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp in recent days. In fact, reports claimed that he has already agreed personal terms with Barca.

The Catalan giants reportedly made a first bid worth £29.2 million. Unless Leeds are relegated, it is hard to see the Whites accepting anything like that for Raphinha.

Foot Mercato suggests that Raphinha is the priority for Barcelona, but Leeds do not intend to sell him. The report claims that his release clause is worth £62.5 million should they stay up.

And with that, Barca have started to look at other options.

Foot Mercato claims that Barcelona have made contact with Mahrez regarding a potential move.

The Algerian’s contract with Manchester City expires at the end of next season. And right now, it would appear that no fresh deal is imminent.

Statement from Leeds if Barcelona end up signing Mahrez rather than Raphinha

Mahrez is not going to come cheap. But he is now 31 and heading into the final year of his contract. So it may not be too difficult a negotiation if City decide to sell him rather than offer him a new deal.

It would be a surprise if they let him go. He has 22 goals and contributed seven assists in 36 games. Aymeric Laporte recently described Mahrez as ‘unbelievable‘.

It would be a statement therefore, if Leeds managed to stave off Barcelona and keep Raphinha if he is their priority ahead of Mahrez.