Forget Orta claim: Raphinha’s agent is ‘getting phone calls’ and will be engineering Leeds transfer – McLeish
Raphinha’s agent will still be fielding enquiries even if Leeds United have not been approached directly, according to Alex McLeish.
The former Rangers and Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested there may have been informal talks over a deal for the 24-year-old.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Victor Orta insisted Leeds had not received any approaches for Raphinha and warned suitors they would not welcome any.
Raphinha has been a shining light for Leeds since his £17million-plus move from Rennes last summer.
The Brazilian has netted five goals and contributed five assists in 22 Premier League appearances so far.
McLeish suggested while Leeds may not have received an official approach, the winger’s agent would still be taking calls about his client.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We know the game, we’re not stupid. I’ve never met an agent in the modern-day who wasn’t trying to sell his client.
“Whether there’s been no interest directly to Leeds about Raphinha, you would think that there’s been some talk.
“These guys will be getting phone calls and they’ll probably be making phone calls as well.
“That’s the way the game works and the way that the industry works. It’s the way probably all industries of this kind of magnitude work.”
Orta told BBC Radio Leeds: “To be clear, we’ve not had any approach for Raphinha and we wouldn’t welcome one.
“We’re really, really happy and we believe in the player and the substantial power of the project.”
In other news, Leeds United stance on signing Adama Traore revealed as price slashed.