Leeds United are hoping to keep hold of winger Raphinha but may have to put up with interest from Newcastle United after a rumoured £35million bid.
That’s according to UOL Esporte back in Raphinha’s native Brazil, as they have offered an update on the winger’s future.
It’s claimed that Raphinha won’t sign a new contract with Leeds unless they agree to reduce the release clause in his contract.
With no sign of an agreement, some fear that Raphinha will end up leaving this summer – and Newcastle would seemingly love to take him.
The report states that Newcastle recently offered to pay £35million for Raphinha, a bid we can only assume was made in January.
Leeds refused to sell at that price and will no doubt be expecting a lot more than that for their star winger.
It’s also worth noting that, if the bid was made in January, it came at a time when Leeds and Newcastle were rivals for Premier League survival.
Leeds were never going to sell their star man in that situation, as it would have not only weakened themselves but also strengthened a direct rival.
Newcastle now look to be safe and Leeds have new life under Jesse Marsch, saving Raphinha from the Championship.
Still, Leeds can expect major interest in Raphinha this summer and don’t be surprised to see Newcastle come back in with another move.
Newcastle will be seeking another winger with the idea of playing Allan Saint-Maximin down the left and a new wide man down the right.
That’s exactly where Raphinha would be able to come in, with the Brazilian already showing he is a Premier League star.
Hailed as a ‘revelation’ by Robbie Keane, Raphinha has bagged 15 goals and 12 assists in 59 games for Leeds – almost a goal contribution every other game.
So tricky and so dangerous, Raphinha will be a man in demand this summer and Newcastle may well return with a new push to tempt Leeds.
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