Raphinha has twice ignored Leeds’ pleas for contract talks as he waits for European offers – report
Raphinha has twice ignored Leeds United’s approaches for talks over a contract renewal because he’s waiting for European offers, a report has claimed.
The Brazil international has over two years still left on his current deal, but the Yorkshire club are fearful they might see him slip from their grasp this summer. As such, they have been making attempts to tie him down for a longer period.
It was well-documented in January that an approach had been made by the Whites.
GOAL now claim Raphinha and his representatives were contacted on two separate occasions. And he did not respond to either.
The 25-year-old winger is looking to explore his options. It’s noted he wants to stay in the Premier League.
That would place Liverpool as the favourites. They have been strongly linked with him in recent months.
However, it is also stated that his preference is to join a team that can compete for silverware on a regular basis, more so than remaining in England.
That opens the door to the likes of Bayern Munich, who have expressed an interest in him earlier this year.
Leeds remain optimistic of getting him to extend his contract with them, though.
They believe offering him a significant pay rise should be enough to convince him to stay at Elland Road.
His current deal sees him earn a reported sum of £55,000-per-week. That doesn’t currently reflect his status as the club’s most important player.
West Ham are another English side who have taken a liking to Raphinha. But his compatriot Kleberson believes he will leave the Prem.
Raphinha tipped to leave England
He told Paddy Power: “It’s going to be really hard for Leeds United to keep Raphinha.
“A few months ago, many people thought that he was a good player, but he wasn’t rated that highly.
“However, after scoring for the Brazilian national team and emerging as Leeds’ best player, people are now talking about him.
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“It’s going to be really hard for Leeds to keep him because there will be offers. Brazilians are always looking for a move away and a new challenge. They do well, then they look for their next challenge.
“He will leave the Premier League, but it would be hard for him to move to a Champions League club and receive the same amount of game time.
“I like the way he plays. But when I watch him in the Premier League and for the Brazilian national team, he is a different player.
“His style would suit a team in La Liga so I could see him moving to Spain.”
READ MORE: Marcelo Bielsa has Leeds back-up plan after contact is made about summer ‘precaution’
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