Leeds are planning to repel any offers for star man Raphinha until January 2023 at the earliest.
That’s because Elland Road bigwigs know that if the fleet-footed winger shines for Brazil at the Qatar World Cup then his value will rocket upwards.
Raphinha has been a massive hit in West Yorkshire since arriving from Rennes in October 2020 and his form has attracted the interest of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Manchester United and Liverpool have both been linked with the 25-year-old, as have Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
When he joined Leeds, Raphinha penned a four-year deal and the club are keen to tie him down for longer.
And while talks are understood to be ongoing, the club are relaxed about the situation given the positive effect an impressive World Cup will have on his price-tag.
Leeds paid around £17million to sign Raphinha from Rennes and there is a belief that he could be worth three times that amount if he plays well for club and country between now and the end of the year.
He has scored eight goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season and has been highly acclaimed for performances for his national team.
