Leeds United could still talk star forward Raphinha and his representatives ‘into staying’ at the club beyond the current campaign, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 25-year-old’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks amid interest from a host of top clubs from across the continent.
What is the latest news involving Raphinha?
According to The Mirror, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, West Ham and Bayern Munich are all keeping close tabs on Raphinha ahead of potential summer moves.
However, it seems as though Catalan giants Barcelona are at the front of the queue for the Brazil international’s signature, with new manager Xavi desperate to snap up an adequate replacement for Ousmane Dembele.
Transfer expert and well-known journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Barca are ‘in advanced talks’ over personal terms, although a formal offer is yet to have been made.
The same report in The Mirror states that Leeds have slapped a £60 million price tag on the immensely talented star while they attempt to tie him down to a new contract.
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Raphinha’s existing £63,000-per-week deal is set to expire in the summer of 2024, and he lags behind top earner Rodrigo by a considerable distance.
It’s claimed that the Leeds hierarchy are ‘mindful’ of the disparity between the two attackers and are keen to hand the South American a pay rise to ‘reflect his status at Elland Road’, but Spanish sources have disclosed that negotiations between the player and Barca will begin shortly.
What has Jones said about Raphinha?
Jones has provided a behind-the-scenes update over Raphinha’s situation, disclosing that his representatives have stated that they’re open to their client ‘staying’ in west Yorkshire.
He told GiveMeSport that Raphinha’s people have said: “We're not going to rule out the fact that he might leave Leeds, but at the same time, if they could talk him into staying, then he might stay.”
Who could Leeds replace Raphinha with?
While Raphinha’s exit would be a significant blow for Leeds, the proceeds from his departure would give Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta room to manouvre in the transfer market.
Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson has been a long-term target for Leeds, who saw multiple bids turned down for him in January, and Pete O’Rourke has previously told GMS that he could be targeted once more.
Football Insider also recently revealed that Rangers winger Ryan Kent remains a player of interest, and the duo could go some way to replacing Raphinha’s output for the Whites.