By Craig Scott

4th May, 2022 | 5:40pm

Leeds United news: Barcelona to cut loose Adama Traore, want to sign Raphinha instead

Barcelona are not going to sign Wolves loanee Adama Traore permanently as they’d rather sign Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to Sport.

The Spanish news outlet claims that despite Traore’s “extraordinary” start to life at the Nou Camp after he joined Barca on loan in January, the Wolves winger has dropped down Xavi’s pecking order and won’t be bought in the summer for the pre-agreed £25.3million option-to-buy clause.

It is understood that Barca see current player Ousmane Dembele as someone they’d rather play while the La Liga giants are also in hot pursuit of Leeds star Raphinha.

Makes sense

You’d be stupid if you would rather sign Traore over Raphinha, in all honesty.

Traore is a player who has absolutely no end-product and that’s proven in what have been barren spells at Barcelona at Wolves in terms of him getting goals and assists.

The 26-year-old Spain international has just eight goals and 16 assists in 160 Premier League appearances throughout his career.

Raphinha, who is younger at 25, has 16 goals and 12 assists in all of his 61 Premier League appearances for Leeds.

It’s a simple decision but Barcelona need to know that they’re not going to be able to sign Raphinha as cheaply as they could have signed Traore.

He’s a better player and in a better situation in terms of his contract.

Leeds’ big issue, however, is their potential relegation to the Championship as there have been reports of a release clause in Raphinha’s contract should that happen.

If it does, we’re powerless. But if we stay up, Leeds would have to demand top-dollar for the star winger.

In other Leeds United news, an image has emerged of this Whites ace in hospital after a major development.