International duty behind them both, Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips now have clear diaries until Leeds United kick-off their Australian tour in 30 days. Rest and relaxation will play a big part in the next four weeks for the pair, but after months of half-baked speculation, the questions about their futures are about to become very real.
The international window which immediately followed the conclusion of the domestic season provided a natural space for clubs to draw breath and weigh up who they want to buy and sell this summer. While Leeds proved national duty is no barrier to getting a deal over the line, the logistical issues of players being spread across the globe also provided an easy excuse for clubs deciding to wait it out.
With that now out of the way, clubs must get to work if they wish to get their players through the door before pre-season starts. After all of the column inches and pixels dedicated to noise about United’s crown jewels, it’s time to see who is serious about their interest.
