Here are the latest Leeds United headlines for Saturday, July 2.
Barca match Blues offer
Barcelona have reportedly met Chelsea’s £60million bid for Raphinha, according to 90min, but will pay the fee in instalments over a number of years. Thomas Tuchel’s side have had a bid on the table for some time now, but attempts to negotiate personal terms have been blocked by agent Deco as the two await Barca’s approach.
The Catalan club were unable to fund a deal for Raphinha until recent days, following a sale of 10% of their television rights for around £178million. They will also hope to sell Frenkie De Jong to Manchester United for around £60million.
The Catalan club have had personal terms agreed for months, with the fee presenting the only hiccup in what would otherwise have been a straightforward deal. Barcelona now lead the race for Raphinha’s signature.
Leeds will want to finalise this transfer saga as soon as possible, with plenty of transfer business to complete of their own before they fly to Australia for their pre-season tour.
Decision time for Raphinha
Leeds United remain in limbo regarding their star player in Raphinha who, despite being approached by Chelsea, has his eyes set firmly for Barcelona. The club have accepted a £60million bid from Thomas Tuchel’s side but they have been stalled by Deco in their attempts to thrash out a deal with the player.
The actions of Deco - and to a lesser extent Raphinha - are causing frustrations among the Elland Road faithful, with the club keen to get any deal finalised so they can move on with their own summer work
Dealings so far have remained relatively cordial, and with Barcelona now looking likely to cough up the cash - albeit in instalments - but both player and club will equally want this sorted as soon as possible.
Beckford ‘devastated’ to see Phillips go
Former Leeds United striker Jermaine has admitted he is ‘devastated’ to see Kalvin Phillips leaving the club. The Whites midfielder looks set to sign for Premier League champions Manchester City in the coming days following a £42million deal - which could rise to £55million - between the two sides.
The 26-year-old was pictured in a City jacket yesterday as he arrived in Manchester to complete his medical, with personal terms not thought to be any problem. Phillips could be officially announced as a Manchester City player as early as this weekend, with ex-Whites striker Beckford admitting he is ‘devastated’ but that it is a ‘great move’ for the player.
“I think it's a great move. I’m devastated, obviously from a Leeds perspective, but I completely understand it. I think for him personally it's a massive move and a fantastic opportunity.” He told TalkSPORT. “An opportunity for him to challenge for titles on all fronts and play Champions League football in a World Cup year, for the reigning champions, for the best manager in the world, alongside some of the best players in the world. It’s incredible.”
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