Pundit Kevin Phillips has been reacting to a contract update regarding Leeds United star Raphinha, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: New deal close
The Brazilian is thought to be closing in on a ‘huge’ Elland Road contract following positive discussions between the club and Deco, Raphinha’s agent.
A Leeds source has since told Football Insider that an improved deal for the winger is to protect his value, with the club aware it could start to fall in the summer, should he not pen an extension.
The Whites are hoping that a fresh contract would increase Raphinha’s potential market valuation in the summer from £35m to £60m, with West Ham showing late interest last month.
The Latest: Phillips reacts
Phillips, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider over a new deal for the Leeds star.
When asked if it could keep him at the club in the long run, Phillips described a new contract as a ‘great gesture’ but still expects the player to depart.
“I think it makes no difference.
“Whether you put a player on a new contract or not, if a big club comes in they generally get the player.
“It’s a great gesture. It’s all they can do really, show the ambition to say: ‘We’re offering a good deal to these players. We want them to stay.’
“Ultimately it’s the player’s decision and I think new deals, nowadays, don’t really make a big deal of difference.”
The Verdict: Summer exit?
It was good to see that Leeds rebuffed all interest in Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips last month, however, the summer window will soon be upon us, when rumours will more than likely begin once again.
Raphinha has broken into Brazil’s national side since joining Leeds and has comfortably been the best-rated Whites player this season, resulting in links with Wst Ham, Bayern Munich and Liverpool in recent months.
On that basis, and with Leeds flirting with relegation this season, it could be a matter of time until he joins one of the biggest sides in Europe, but when Leeds sell, they will hopefully get the best deal possible, especially with a new deal in the pipeline.
In other news: Worrying Kalvin Phillips update emerges on Saturday after return to training.