Leeds United news: ‘Huge’ update on Raphinha’s future after new talks held – Sources
Leeds United are confident of securing Raphinha to a “huge” new contract that will make him the club’s best-paid player, Football Insider understands.
The Yorkshire giants have held extensive negotiations with the Brazilian’s agent Deco and are close to an agreement.
A Leeds source has told Football Insider that a deal could be signed within weeks which would be a
Raphinha’s current deal is due to expire in June 2024 and United are keen to hand him a pay rise to reward him for his performances over the last two seasons.
They are increasingly confident of now doing so following a breakthrough in negotiations with the player’s camp.
A new contract for Raphinha would be “huge”, the source explained, and see him catapult above club-record signing Rodrigo to become the best paid player at Elland Road.
Leeds knocked back an enquiry from West Ham for their wide attacker in last month’s window.
A West Ham source has separately confirmed to Football Insider that the club do have a concrete interest in Raphinha and have asked about his availability.
But the Yorkshire giants refused to cash in as they look to preserve their Premier League status.
Marcelo Bielsa has made no secret of his belief that Raphinha is the “outstanding” player at the club.
Moreover, his significance to the team has been amplified during the extended absences in recent months of Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips.
Raphinha has been a revelation since his arrival at Leeds from Rennes in the summer of 2020.
He has made 19 Premier League appearances this campaign, all of which have been starts, and scored eight goals as well as supplied two assists.
In other news, Leeds United have sealed “massive” Kalvin Phillips boost after Sky Sports update.