'I'm really happy to be at Leeds United' - Premier League award nominee Raphinha's message to fans

The £17m summer deadline day arrival has made a mockery of his price tag with a sensational first season at Elland Road and performances that have earned him a Premier League Player of the Month nomination for February.

In 21 games he has contributed directly to 10 Premier League goals, scoring half of those himself and becoming a firm fan favourite.

His debut campaign has also undoubtedly put him on the radar of top flight clubs who must be kicking themselves at not acting before Leeds did last summer, and transfer talk has inevitably followed. Leeds could already command an eye-watering profit from their summer 2020 investment.

Raphinha says he's happy where he is, however. Despite not having had the chance to play in front of Leeds fans, has already felt their love and support since arriving from Rennes.

"I'm really happy and so satisfied to be part of this club," he said.

"When I found out Leeds were interested in me and they wanted me and the way they accepted me, the way I was embraced, the way I was treated on arrival here means that I'm really happy now.

"Today I'm really well settled and in the city and the club. I thank everybody for their affection, that's contributed to this."

Head coach Marcelo Bielsa's enthusiasm for the winger's instant adaptation to the team's style of play was an early indicator of how good the Brazilian was going to be for Leeds, but in recent weeks he has surpassed all expectations of a new signing. Four goals and three assists in his last 11 games is an impressive return but those numbers don't tell the full story. His appetite for drifting off his right wing position and cutting inside to act as a playmaker, along with the flicks and skill he showcases when running at defenders, make him a difficult man to keep quiet and a man Leeds fans want to enjoy next season in a full Elland Road.