Raphinha’s agent Deco ‘meets Barcelona bosses’ as the Spanish giant tries to hijack Chelsea’s transfer bid

RAPHINHA’s agent has been spotted at the Nou Camp less than 24 hours after Chelsea appeared to move into pole position to sign the Leeds winger.

The west Londoners gave a hammer blow to Arsenal’s hopes of signing the Brazilian on Tuesday by submitting an offer north of £55million for his services.

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An agreement has yet to be reached and talks with the player’s agent – former Barcelona ace Deco – are set to take place later this week.

But Barca could be ready to sign the winger after Deco was spotted at the Nou Camp with club bosses Rafa Yuste, Mateu Alemany, Enric Masip and president Joan Laporta.

Spanish journalist Victor Navvaro took pictures of the group left the stadium and shared on Twitter.

He tweeted: “Rafa Yuste, Mateu Alemany, Deco and Enric Masip are leaving the Camp Nou offices.

“Mateu smiles as they yell at him: ‘Bring Lewandowski, please.’

“Joan Laporta, birthday today, left a few minutes ago.”

Raphinha, 24, played a crucial role in Leeds defeating relegation to the Premier League last season, scoring 11 goals in 35 games.

And he scored the crucial opening goal in the Whites’ 2-1 win over Brentford on the final day of the season that ensured the club’s survival in the Premier League.

Speculations about Raphinha’s future were rife ahead of the end of the season, although Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is adamant it hasn’t affected the Brazil international’s form.

When asked last month if Raphinha’s head might have been turned, the American said: “Not at all.

“He is 100 percent invested. His emotions that have been talked about can be interpreted as a lack of discipline.

“I see it as an overall investment. That part wasn’t a thought for me.”

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