Leeds United news as pundit questions negotiations and…

Leeds United news as pundit questions negotiations and Bielsa to learn Athletic Bilbao fate

Here are your Leeds United morning headlines for Friday, June 24.

Sue Smith questions Whites negotiations

Former England international Sue Smith has questioned whether Leeds can get ‘a decent price’ price for Raphinha if they are to sell. The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road, with Arsenal having made an official bid earlier in the week and Barcelona also interested.

Those in charge at Elland Road have made their demands clear with a £65million price-tag on the 11-goal winger, and acted swiftly in rejecting the Gunners opening offer. They are expected to return with an improved bid imminently, with Tottenham and Chelsea also monitoring the situation.

“It would be a huge loss, he’s a standout performer Raphinha and I’ve really enjoyed watching him play.” Smith told FreeSuperTips . “If you want someone to make something happen, then he’s the go to player and he’s exciting to watch.

“A lot of Leeds fans would say they enjoy watching Raphinha play football and of course Leeds will want to keep him after staying up. If they can keep him for another season then that would be great, but if they don’t, can they get enough money for him.

“I think we know he’s ambitious and he wants to play in the Champions League because he’s capable of it. Leeds will be desperate to keep hold of him, but if they don’t then can they get a decent price for him is the question.”

Barcelona ploy leaves Raphinha ‘second-choice’

The 25-year-old has reportedly had personal terms agreed with the Catalan club for some time and has held out for his preferred destination, but must be second-guessing that decision amid Barca’s actions.

The Blaugrana have gone quiet regarding Raphinha, leading to doubts cast over the seriousness of their interest. And now, with a €35million bid lodged for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, it seems the club have moved on entirely.

President Juan Laporta’s links with Raphinha’s agent Deco may well be leading to complacency within the Nou Camp, and now there are plenty of Premier League sharks circling Elland Road.

Bielsa battles former Whites target for Bilbao job

Marcelo Bielsa will fight for the Athletic Bilbao job against Ernesto Valverde - one of the shortlisted options to replace him at Leeds in February. The Argentine was revealed as the option to come in if Inaki Arechabaleta wins the upcoming presidential elections.

The 66-year-old resurfaced during the week alongside Arechabaleta’s campaign, speaking with Spanish media outlet El Chiringuito and presenting his findings from watching over 90 Bilbao matches at senior and youth level. He also presented detailed reports and stats of Whites matches, in which he gave Jack Harrison a rating of 7.5 for his hattrick against West Ham.

Presidential elections will take place today, and if Arechabaleta does win then Bielsa will return to San Mames.