Barcelona president Joan Laporta intervened in Rafinha’s deal for the Leeds United striker, sending a clear signal to the Brazilian international.

The Catalan club has managed to get the approval of the economic levers to strengthen its ranks and not violate the rules of financial fair play.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Laporta told the Selesão star that his signature would be of strategic importance to Barcelona because with Robert Lewandowski they are two names tasked with raising the blue garnet attack level.

The newspaper added that Laporta has asked Rafinho to keep his trust as Barça prepare to enter the final stages of a deal that has been quietly brewing for months.

Barcelona have renewed contact with Leeds United, who have already reduced their financial requirements from €65m to €50m, but Matteo Al-Yamani is working to reduce the amount to €40m the club has set aside for the Brazilian deal.

Johnny Khoury