Australia is rapidly approaching on Leeds United’s horizon and the final flight list will play into who is and is not on the verge of exiting Elland Road. The squad flies out on Sunday morning and final decisions on who commits to the 20,000-plus-miles round-trip will be made at the 11th hour.
Raphinha is the headline name, of course. Jesse Marsch would not commit to a decision on the Brazilian in either direction as of Thursday night.
The 25-year-old remains a Leeds employee and has shown no opposition to being in Gold Coast for the start of the three-match tour. However, United are well aware of how much easier they would make any prospective transfer by leaving him in Europe.
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Leeds are firm on their position and the fee they are demanding for their starlet. Chelsea remain the only outfit to get anywhere near that number, while Barcelona continue to negotiate with Victor Orta in the hope of making Raphinha’s dreams come true.
While being in Australia would not rule out an outgoing transfer, it is not hard to weigh up the added complexities. If a deal were struck, the winger would be faced with at least 24 hours of air time to Europe and the prospect of a medical on that travel-ravaged body.
How accommodating do Leeds want to be with Raphinha’s exit? His attitude has been impeccable and allowing him to stay at Thorp Arch to train with the fringe players has not yet been ruled out.
Jamie Shackleton will not be on the plane to Australia. The academy product may have made his final appearance in Leeds colours against Blackpool on Thursday night.
Reading have long lead the chase for the 22-year-old, with the Championship Tangerines also interested, but an ambitious Millwall have pushed strongly to reunite him with Charlie Cresswell. As with the centre-back’s loan deal, Gary Rowett’s side have impressed Leeds with their ability to cover a large proportion of Shackleton’s wages.
A deal has not yet been finalised for Shackleton, but Reading have real competition from the Lions. Much depends on the player’s keenness to include a permanent option in any loan agreement.
Ian Poveda is another member of the squad who could go out to Australia, but may equally stay in the UK ahead of a prospective transfer. There is interest in the winger from Major League Soccer, Spain and England.
The 22-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and there remains an interest in retaining Poveda’s services beyond the end of any loan switch.
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