Marcelo Bielsa has claimed Raphinha is on the radar of 'all the big clubs in the world' and revealed Leeds United are planning a second round of contract talks with the winger.
Leeds signed Raphinha for £17million from French side Rennes in October 2020, and he's made a huge impact since his arrival at Elland Road.
The Brazil international enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Premier League, scoring eight goals and claiming 11 assists.
Raphinha has also been one of a few standouts for Leeds so far this season, scoring eight goals and grabbing one assist in 18 games.
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And his agent, former Portugal star Deco, recently admitted that Liverpool have taken an interest in the winger.
“Raphinha became an important player in the Premier League, the club knows he has grown and things will happen naturally,” he told Globo Esporte.
“He is young, he has many challenges ahead, there are certainly several clubs that like him, and Liverpool do like him, there were approaches, but nothing official. Leeds wanted to keep him for another season.”
But despite the continued speculation, the ECHO understands that a January move to the Reds will almost certainly not be forthcoming.
However, the ECHO also understands that Raphinha, and West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen, continue to be players of interest at Anfield.
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Raphinha is already under contract at Elland Road until 2024, but Bielsa has welcomed Leeds' plan for a second round of contract talks with their star man.
“It’s a great decision,” the Argentine said. “Raphinha’s the best player in the team in all the senses. Physically he’s the best, technically he’s at the level of the best and his interpretation of the game is very wise.
“He’s within the group of such a powerful nation as Brazil, he shines in the Premier League and he has the attention of all the big clubs in the world.
“All of those things are something you guys know as well. Nothing I’m saying is new. As a result, the decision of the club can only be valued.”
