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Leeds United have seemingly moved into pole position to sign talented winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this summer – with the Georgian seen as a possible replacement for Raphinha.

Brazilian star Raphinha has been Leeds’ outstanding player since their return to the Premier League. In 59 appearances for Leeds, the former Rennes man has 15 goals and 12 assists. That form has, understandably, alerted a number of top sides. As such, it seems Leeds may well have a battle on their hands in convincing Raphinha to stay.

Indeed, the quest to prise Raphinha away from West Yorkshire appears to headed by Barcelona. Their coach Xavi has reportedly made Raphinha his No 1 transfer priority, with Ousmane Dembele likely to depart.

That said, Barcelona may struggle to match Leeds’ valuation for Raphinha, with the truths over his alleged buy-out clause coming to light.

Nonetheless, there appears an apparent acceptance among the Leeds faithful that Raphinha will be moving on. His ability earmarks him as a player more than capable of playing at the very highest level. And European football, let alone Champions League football, looks to be something Leeds look unable to provide any time soon.

The Leeds board too, may also be thinking about potential replacements.

And one name that has emerged in recent days is Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia.

Leeds were first linked with a move for the 21-year-old back in the summer.

At the time, he was plying his trade with Russian side Rubin Kazan. However, the situation in the country means he has now cut all ties with the club and returned to his homeland with Dinamo Batumi.

Noting interest in the player, the likes of Leeds, Tottenham and Napoli are all seemingly keen. However, Italian paper Il Mattino claims it is Leeds who head the hunt.

Furthermore, Sky Deutchsland reporter Max Bielefeld claims his situation is one that is ‘very interesting’. That’s after it was suggested Leeds director of football Victor Orta is ready to make Kvaratskhelia his No 1 target.

Kvaratskhelia price within Leeds United reach

Indeed, Il Matino suggests he could move for as little as £14.4m this summer – a price Leeds can comfortably afford.

Kvaratskhelia predominantly plays down the left wing so is not, as such a direct replacement for Raphinha, who plays, most commonly, down the right.

However, with Dan James has rarely been afforded the chance to play in his favoured position down the right.

Therefore, the possible signing of Kvaratskhelia could see him compete with Jack Harrison on the left wing. Then, Crysencio Summerville – who Leeds’ coaching staff rate highly – covering for Dan James down the right.

Kvaratskhelia has five goals in 12 caps for his country.

But with nine goals and 18 assists during his time at Rubin Kazan, it’s easy to see why he’s a player of interest to Orta and Leeds.

READ MORE: Georgian star namedrops Leeds as he confirms transfer talks

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