Journalist provides important update regarding Spurs’ pursuit of Raphinha 

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed in his column on Football Insider that contrary to recent reports emanating from Spain, Raphinha does not feature prominently on Tottenham’s wishlist.

Over the last couple of weeks, The Spurs Web has brought to you various updates which have backed Tottenham to offer Raphinha a route back to the Premier League in January, 18 months on from his switch from Elland Road to Camp Nou.

This includes an update from Football Transfers on November 17, which claimed that Spurs have shown ‘concrete interest’ in the attacker, who is valued by Barca at €70m (£61.3m).

It has even been suggested by some outlets that the Lilywhites could offer some of their players to the Catalan club to sweeten the operation (Sport).

It then emerged a few days ago that Spurs could face competition from Liverpool for the Brazilian’s signature, with the Reds allegedly willing to offer Luis Diaz to Barca in exchange (Sportskeeda).

Interest in Raphinha drummed up by Barcelona 

O’Rourke has now refuted these claims, stating that Liverpool have no intention to offload Diaz under any circumstances in January.

He further suggests that the speculation linking Raphina with a move to Spurs and Newcastle is coming from Barca’s side as the Catalan club are trying to generate interest in the player.

The journalists asserts that while the 26-year-old does not feature highly on the shortlist of any Premier League side, some clubs could make a move for him if the price is right.

O’Rourke goes on to add that a departure from Blaugrana could be on the cards for the Raphinha next summer for a fee of around £40m-£50m.

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham do need another wide player to offer competition to Kulusevski on the right and Raphinha fits the profile that the club would be looking for, especially given his Premier League experience.

I would not be surprised if Spurs test the waters with an offer for the 26-year-old in January but I certainly do not expect the Lilywhites to stump up £60m or more for the former Leeds star.