Leeds are closing in on the £15.2million capture of Rennes’ Brazilian winger Raphinha.
Marcelo Bielsa wants another wide player and Leeds are close to agreeing a fee of £15.2million, rising to £20.6m, with Rennes for Raphinha.
Raphinha, 23, scored five goals and contributed three assists last season in 22 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes as they qualified for the Champions League.
He has made two assists in his five appearances this season and is attractive to Bielsa because he can operate on either flank.
Raphinha cost Rennes just over £15million last year from Sporting Lisbon and Leeds’ offer has tempted them to cash in on the South American.
Leeds want to sign two more players before tonight’s transfer deadline and Bielsa remains keen on Manchester United ’s Dan James.
James almost moved to Elland Road from Swansea in January 2019, only for the move to break down at the eleventh hour, and Leeds feel the Reds may be willing to let the Wales winger leave.
Bielsa wants a creative player to take some of the burden as playmaker off Pablo Hernandez’s shoulders and Leeds have looked at Norwich’s England Under-21 midfielder Todd Cantwell.
Meanwhile, Bielsa hailed his side for playing their part in an entertaining 1-1 draw with Manchester City last night.
Raheem Sterling fired City ahead but Rodrigo climbed off the bench to earn Leeds a point.
And Bielsa said: "We played our part for the game to be a beautiful one and City also played a huge part in making the game beautiful," said Bielsa, whose side moved up to fifth in the table.
"They're a very powerful team. Physically, mentally and technically. They play with a natural inclination to attack and are the type of team that goes out to win the game."
