Leeds United's first team squad are away on their holidays licking their wounds as the reality of Premier League relegation sets in and plans for next season start to take shape. For many players, those plans will involve a change of club and a move away from Elland Road.
That's likely to be the plan for a host of players signed in the past year, but also for Rodrigo, who is not expected to stick around for a season in the Championship. Leeds' previous club-record signing enjoyed his best season with the club last year amid the turmoil on and off it for the Whites.
A return of 15 goals caught the eye and relegation has only served to push the forward further to prominence. There has been talk of a switch to the mighty Real Madrid of all places, with a cut down relegation clause making a deal very attractive for potential suitors.
And while that move would no doubt suit the player, there is also reported interest from the Premier League, with Aston Villa among the clubs linked. Being able to offer European football is a big advantage for the Villains, with a switch to Villa Park an exciting prospect for many right now.
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However, a recent transfer alternative may rule Villa out of any potential Rodrigo move and decrease his chances of staying in England. Villa are reportedly keen on Real Betis’s Brazilian star Luiz Henrique, who could be for sale as his club seek to generate some cash this summer. Signed for €7.5million, he could be sold for upward of €100million (£86m) with Villa heavily linked with a potential deal. Spanish paper AS reports: “Aston Villa has been one of the teams that has followed the footballer the most.”
Should Villa make a move for a rising superstar it would be a serious piece of business and one which would almost certainly end any interest in Rodrigo.
