Leeds United ‘know it will be very difficult’ to keep player – Bielsa has big task ahead

Raphinha has enjoyed a good start to his life in England after arriving at Leeds United from Stade Rennais FC last summer.

The winger has four goals and four assists in 17 league appearances for the Whites and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.

Two days ago, France Football reported the 24-year-old is ‘high on the list of Liverpool scouts’.

Wednesday’s edition of Sport has a report on the attacker, with a title: ‘Klopp wants Raphinha for Liverpool’.

Jürgen Klopp has heavily relied on Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino to lead his side’s attack in the last few seasons.

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Raphinha’s ‘characteristics’, including his pace and ability to get past opposition players with ease, make him an ‘ideal’ candidate to strengthen the Reds’ attack. Klopp sees the Brazilian as a ‘ideal replacement’ for the likes of Salah or Mané.

Should the player continue to shine for Leeds until the end of the season, the number of suitors are likely to increase, which may not come as good news for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Sport state Leeds ‘know it will be very difficult’ to keep their player if Liverpool decide to try and take Raphinha, and Bielsa would find it tough to retain him.

These claims are now swirling around the European media, and there doesn’t appear a great deal to back them up, other than the Brazilian’s good form.