Leeds United ‘need to show ambition in the transfer market’ this summer if they are to keep hold of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The futures of the talented duo remain up in the air despite Leeds managing to avoid relegation on the final day of last season, with several top clubs from the Premier League and across the continent interested in snapping them up.

What is the latest news involving Raphinha and Phillips?

Back in March, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Raphinha’s agent Deco was in ‘advanced talks’ with Barcelona over a potential switch to the Camp Nou.

It’s believed that the Brazil international is keen to swap life in west Yorkshire for Catalonia, but due to Barca’s dire financial situation, they may struggle to afford his £60 million price tag.

And according to The Mirror, FA Cup holders Liverpool have now entered the race for Raphinha, meaning an exit is appearing inevitable at this moment in time.

Meanwhile, The Sun claim that reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are ‘set to contact’ Leeds over a transfer move for Phillips, who they have identified as a potential heir to the departing Fernandinho.  

It’s believed Manchester United, West Ham and Aston Villa are also keen on the 26-year-old, who is valued at £45m by Transfermarkt, as the race for his signature begins to heat up.

What has Jones said about Leeds?

Leeds have already signed Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen from Red Bull Salzburg this summer, but Jones has been informed that more ambitious acquisitions are needed to convince Raphinha and Phillips to stay put.

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He told GiveMeSport: “One thing I’m told on Leeds is that they need to show ambition in the transfer market if they are to hold on to Kalvin Phillips or Raphinha - and at the moment the level of signings aren’t quite at the level where those two are convinced to stay.

“Even with Florian Grillitsch, who would be a nice addition, it seems he’s veering towards Fiorentina. That’s not great news for Leeds."

Who could Leeds sign?

The Sun claim that Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is set to revive the club’s interest in Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien after their attempts to sign him last summer ended in failure.

And BBC Sport list the Whites amongst Takumi Minamino’s admirers, with Liverpool reportedly demanding £17m for the Japan international.

Whether either player will be enough to convince Raphinha, who is valued at £40.5m by transfermarkt, and Phillips that their immediate futures lie at Elland Road remains to be seen, though.