Leeds remain optimistic about keeping Raphinha & Kalvin Phillips

Leeds United believe they could avoid selling either Raphinha or Kalvin Phillips this summer, 90min understands,

The duo were both pursued by West Ham in January and now have a host of clubs following their situations as Leeds remain in a battle to secure their Premier League future.

Liverpool, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are among the sides to have shown an interest in Raphinha, while Phillips is not short of suitors either - Manchester United, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle have registered interest.

Talks over new contracts for the duo have been delayed by the club while they focus on securing Premier League safety. With eight games to go, they sit seven points clear of the drop zone, having played one game more than 18th place Watford.

Should survival be confirmed, it is expected that Leeds will open talks with both players and sources have confirmed to 90min that neither Raphinha nor Phillips have ruled out penning extensions at Elland Road.

Indeed, both are understood to have been hugely impressed with new boss Jesse Marsch since he replaced Marcelo Bielsa earlier this year.

Now, there is growing optimism that Marsch's impact could help convince Raphinha and Phillips to commit their futures to the club.

As it stands, both players have two years remaining on their current contracts, but Leeds hope to persuade them to extend and plan for the longer-term with the two stars still around.

Of the duo, it's Raphinha's whose future is the subject of more speculation. Recently, claims of an agreement with Barcelona have surfaced, but sources close to the situation have dismissed these rumours.

Raphinha is believed to be shunning talks with other sides to focus on Leeds' battle for survival and is not desperate to jump ship.

As for Phillips, Leeds are ready to hand him a huge salary increase to convince him to stay at Elland Road, having seen him grow into a key player for both club and country over the last few years, but Leeds would need to remain in the top flight for such an offer to arrive.


Source : 90min