Eyes at the biggest clubs in world football are on Leeds United’s Raphinha as he takes the Premier League season by the scruff of the neck as Elland Road’s best player.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa has admitted the Brazil international is peerless on his roster and playing at such a high level the Whites know the richest clubs are tracking him.
LeedsLive understands contract talks between the 25-year-old’s agent Deco and director of football Victor Orta have been ongoing for several weeks.
There is confidence on all sides a deal which reflects Raphinha’s Premier League and international status can be reached in the near future.
As it stands, Raphinha’s contract expires in 2024, but amid likely interest in the summer and beyond, the Whites are keen to protect their asset while giving the winger what he deserves after a scintillating 15 months in England.
When asked about the club’s contract talks, Bielsa said: “I think it's a great decision.
“Raphinha is the best player in the team in all the senses, physically he's the best, technically he's at the level of the best and the interpretation he has of the game is very good, very wise.
“[He is] within the group of such a powerful nation of Brazil, he shines in the Premier League and he has the attention of all the big clubs in the world.
“All of those things is something you guys (journalists) know just as much as me, nothing I'm saying is new.
“As a result, the decision of the club can only be valued.”
Two days after he made those comments, Raphinha turned in a wonderful performance during the win over West Ham United, which included an assist.
After the clash with Newcastle United this weekend, Raphinha will report for international duty with Brazil, who face Ecuador on January 27 and Paraguay on February 2.
