Newcastle have ‘held a discussion’ with Leeds about Raphinha, however, they’re understood to be keen on waiting to see how things develop before they officially enter the race for him.

The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road, having been linked with Barcelona before the transfer window started.

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Financial issues at the Camp Nou means a move is unlikely, making Arsenal reported favourites to land the 25-year-old. Chelsea and Tottenham are understood to have taken an interest in Raphinha too.

And mega rich Newcastle have become the latest club to ask Leeds about the player but have decided not to officially throw their hat in the ring just yet, according to The Northern Echo.

The report adds that Eddie Howe pinpointed four key priorities at the start of the summer – a new goalkeeper, a centre-back, a centre forward and a wide attacker.

The signing of Nick Pope and imminent announcement of Sven Botman appears to have ticked off the goalkeeping and defensive slots on the checklist, while the search for a centre forward is on hold because of the deadlock over Hugo Ekitike.

Newcastle have also been linked with Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, however, the German outfit are keen to keep hold of the 22-year-old.

This stance has forced Newcastle to consider alternatives, however, it’s understood they won’t go anywhere near Leeds’ reported £60million valuation for Raphinha.

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The report adds Newcastle would be willing to agree to a deal worth around £40m, although some of that fee would be dependent on add-ons, and are waiting to see how things develop in the next few days before deciding whether or not to step up their interest.

Botman’s transfer should be announced this week, with Lille defender Jose Fonte saying Newcastle are getting a hard-working player with a wand of a left foot.

Joining the Boot Room on talkSPORT, the former Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham defender said: “I only have good things to say about him.

“A great guy, a great personality and a hard worker.

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“He’s tall, he’s considerably fast, he has a great left foot, he gives great balls between the lines and he reads the game very well.

“Listen, I loved every time, every game that we played together.

“He’s good now offensively too, he has improved. He scores goals.

“I think he can deal with the Premier League. For sure it’s going to be a great test for him, but I think he can deal with it, 100 per cent.”