Leeds United desperately need to identify replacements for outgoing Elland Road duo Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips as a failure to do so would be a 'recipe for relegation and disaster', according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

Jesse Marsch - who was appointed as the Whites' head coach in February - is set to see two key players leave the club, leaving major voids in his preferred starting line-up.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What's the latest news involving Raphinha and Phillips?

It looked as though Raphinha was on his way to Chelsea after it emerged that Leeds had accepted a bid worth up to £65million, including add-ons.

However, a move to west London has been thrown into doubt after Barcelona have made an 11th hour attempt to hijack the deal and it is understood that the 25-year-old has had his heart set on moving to the Nou Camp rather than Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal had also tested Leeds' resolve but failed in their attempts to land Raphinha as their proposal fell short of the winger's price tag.

Phillips' move away from Yorkshire is further along the line, with a £45million deal in place with Manchester City.

The central midfielder was due to undergo a medical ahead of his switch to the reigning Premier League champions earlier today.

What has Ben Jacobs said about the situation?

Jacobs believes Marsch needs to double down on finding suitable replacements for Raphinha and Phillips.

The journalist feels failing to do so could leave Leeds at serious risk of being involved in another relegation dogfight.

Darwin Nunez to Liverpool! Done Deal! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: "Replacing those two is going to be really urgent for Jesse Marsch.

"Otherwise, Leeds are going to be in big, big trouble because they didn't score that many goals anyway last season and they continue to be defensively weak.

"They are losing creativity in Raphinha and tenacity, structure, balance and control in Kalvin Phillips, which is a recipe for relegation and disaster."

Who have Leeds been linked with?

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed Leeds are interested in Club Brugge's Charles de Ketelaere, along with PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo, and could be lined up as a potential replacement for Raphinha.

Meanwhile, journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed RB Leipzig are eager to find a buyer for Tyler Adams and Leeds are considering whether to make a move amid Phillips' impending departure.

Another defensive midfielder Leeds are admirers of is Red Bull Salzburg's Mohamed Camara and it is understood that the Whites have been in direct contact with his representatives.