Craig Hope has now dropped some intriguing Newcastle United transfer news on Raphinha.

The Lowdown: In demand

Raphinha is a man very much in demand this summer, with reports of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United all holding an interest in signing the Leeds United winger.

However, it could cost at least £65m to prize him away from Elland Road, which could make him unattainable for some clubs.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

Taking to Twitter, The Daily Mail journalist Hope has revealed that the St. James' Park 'would love' to sign Raphinha, although the cost and competition for his signature is likely to prove 'prohibitive':

"Re Newcastle & Raphinha… they like him & they have watched him (inc. final day at Brentford). I get the impression they would love to sign him. But cost/competition likely to prove prohibitive."

The Verdict: Dream signing

However unlikely it may be, Raphinha would surely be a dream signing for the North East club.

Dubbed an ‘unbelievable‘ player by pundit and former Whites goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, the 25-year-old was the club's top scorer (11) and best overall performer in the Premier League last season, while he also bagged himself three assists and a team-high four man-of-the-match awards (WhoScored).

The prospect of the Brazil international linking up with countrymen Bruno Guimarares and Joelinton in midfield is a truly mouth-watering one for the Toon Army, but given his hefty price tag and the fact that the Magpies cannot offer him European football, a deal looks very unlikely at this stage.