Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
George Bennett

Leeds United transfer rumours as Whites monitor LAFC star amid Rangers competition

Here are your latest Leeds United transfer rumours for Wednesday, April 18.

Leeds monitor LAFC midfielder Jose Cifuentes

Leeds are set to challenge Rangers in the race to sign Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes in the summer, according to US journalist Tom Bogert.

READ MORE: Javi Gracia warned Leeds United sacking is 'not impossible' after consecutive thrashings

Cifuentes has been linked with a move to Elland Road during the past two transfer windows, and has attracted interest from a number of clubs in Europe with his performances in the MLS.

His current contract is set to expire at the end of the year, which means he'll be available on a cut-price deal in the summer, or on a free transfer in January next year.

The Whites and Rangers are both monitoring his situation, while Espanyol are also interested in Spain. Cifuentes landed in the United States from Ecuadorian outfit Universidad Catolica in 2020 and has notched 14 goals and 17 assists in 104 appearances for LAFC.

The holding midfielder lifted both the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield last season, and also became an Under-20 South American champion with Ecuador in 2019.

Cifuentes has been capped 15 times by his country, and played twice at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as Ecuador were condemned to a group stage exit by the narrowest of margins.

Barcelona 'tired' of Raphinha's recent behaviour

Barcelona are beginning to 'tire' of Raphinha's behaviour after a series of outbursts in recent months, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The former Leeds winger reacted aggressively to being substituted against Manchester United in the Europa League first leg back in February.

And he didn't take kindly to being withdrawn by Xavi during Barcelona's goalless draw with Getafe on Sunday.

Xavi played down the situation after the game, and said: "I haven't talked to Raphinha. I've already said many times that it's good to get angry, I don't see any problems with a lack of attitude or ambition."

However, the report claims that his behaviour has 'not gone down well' with Barcelona's technical staff and a number of his teammates.

Raphinha traded Leeds for Barcelona last summer, and has experienced a mixed season at the Camp Nou. Nevertheless, the Brazilian international has racked up nine goals and nine assists in 41 appearances across all competitions during his debut season in Spain.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.