Ex-Premier League star linked with return to England

Manchester United face Barcelona in the Europa League play-offs in February, with a place in the last 16 at stake. 

The Red Devils are in the play-off stage having finished as runners-up in their group, whereas the Spanish side have dropped into the competition after failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Catalan giants struggled in Group C, which pitted them against both Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, as well as Czech minnows Viktoria Plzen.

Now, they will have to ensure they defeat United if they are to remain in any European competition this season.

In the meantime, it appears that the La Liga side could be willing to let one of their newest stars leave next summer.

According to Sport via Football Insider, Barcelona will consider the future of winger Raphinha at the end of the current campaign.

The Brazilian joined the Spanish side from Leeds United over the summer, but has failed to make a significant impact at the Nou Camp.

The report claims that Raphinha’s current side want to see an increase in the player’s attacking output.

So far this term, the Brazil international has scored just two goals in 18 matches across all competitions.

He was included in Tite’s Brazil squad for the World Cup in Qatar, and started three of their five games at the tournament before they were eliminated at the hands of Croatia.

It is also claimed in the report that a number of Premier League sides are interested in the player and could move for him if he does become available.

During his time in England, Raphinha scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in 67 matches for The Whites, including a goal on the final day of last season that kept the club in the Premier League.

When he joined Barcelona, the 26-year-old signed a five-year-deal, although the report appears to imply that his time with the club may come to an end after just 12 months if his form doesn’t improve.