Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has insisted Raphinha needs a release clause if he signs a new contract at Elland Road.
It has been claimed by the Daily Star that the Whites have opened talks with the winger over a new deal and that they hope a wage of around £100,000 per week will fend off interest from rivals.
He has already notched eight Premier League goals this season and the list of defenders he has tormented is extensive, but Leeds have still struggled to replicate the form they showed last season.
Mills, who spent five seasons on the books at Elland Road, has claimed the winger needs a release clause if he pens a new deal.
He told Football Insider : "If he doesn’t have a release clause he needs a new agent, I would suggest.
"That’s not being derogatory in any way, shape or form. The player has to look after himself on this occasion when he’s being courted by other clubs.
"If he signs a new deal and Leeds go down, is that in his best interest? No is the answer, simple as that.
"He’s got to do what’s right for him and do what’s best for him. If that includes a release clause if Leeds get relegated or a release clause if Leeds stay in the Premier League, it has to be in there."
Leeds will be aware that their best chance at retaining Raphinha in the long-term is Premier League survival, but a new deal would at least ensure the club would be able to command a hefty fee for his services if they failed to beat the drop.
The Whites currently occupy 15th in the division and are seven points ahead of Newcastle United, who recently overcame Marcelo Bielsa's side.
Raphinha's display against the Magpies was not his most scintillating but he still caused problems for Paul Dummett, who struggled to contain the Brazil international, serving a reminder of just how important he is to the Whites.
