Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has admitted he would be ‘surprised’ to see Raphinha at Elland Road next season but has tipped Gonzalo Plata as the man to replace him. Leeds’ Brazilian winger has been touted for a move away this summer and has attracted interest from Barcelona and Arsenal.
The 25-year-old is under contract at Leeds until 2024 and will command a fee of around £60-70 million, but his performances last season - with 11 goals and three assists at points single-handedly winning games - have fuelled speculation of a step up to European football. Plata, meanwhile, has been on the radar in West Yorkshire after an impressive loan spell at Real Valladolid yielded six goals and five assists in 30 LaLiga2 appearances.
The Spanish side will not be able to afford the £8.5 million fee apparently quoted by parent club Sporting Lisbon, offering Leeds - among others - the chance to swoop in and pick up the promising 21-year-old.
