Leeds United transfer news: Whites could be offered FIVE players, Door opens on De Paul deal
Liverpool’s reported interest in Leeds United winger Raphinha has dominated the gossip columns in recent days.
The Reds are said to be keen on luring the Brazilian winger to Anfield after an impressive start to life in England that has seen him register four goals and four assists in 17 matches.
And according to a piece from the Express, the defending champions could look to use some of their lesser-utilised talent to help land the 24-year-old.
The report names five Liverpool players who the could offer in exchange for Raphinha: Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri, Sheyi Ojo, Harry Wilson, and Marko Grujic.
Whether Marcelo Bielsa will be tempted by any of those players remains to be seen, however.
Raphinha has averaged more shots per game than any of them this season, as well as having more successful dribbles per 90 minutes than each of them except Sheyi Ojo, as per Wyscout.
Based on current form, losing the Brazilian for any of the Reds’ outcast quintet.
Elsewhere, reports from the continent could spell good news in terms of the Whites’ pursuit of Rodrigo De Paul.
According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Udinese have set an asking price of around £30 million for the Argentine midfielder – a sum which Juventus are seemingly unwilling or unable to cough up.
That could open the door for Leeds to steal a march on the Serie A giants come the summer transfer window.
The Whites won’t be the only ones chasing the playmaker, however.
According to a report from Todo Fichajes, Liverpool made moves to sound out the player's current situation in January.
But former Elland Road striker Noel Whelan is confident that his old club will be eager to revisit a deal come the end of the season.
He told Football Insider: "Rodrigo De Paul has been mentioned many times, that’s not going to go away, that is still going to rumble, I’m sure it’s still on the cards – once Marcelo Bielsa makes his mind up and pinpoints a player, generally he kind of sticks to that.”
We’ve gathered the rest of today's Premier League gossip below:
The report names five Liverpool players who the could offer in exchange for Raphinha: Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri, Sheyi Ojo, Harry Wilson, and Marko Grujic.
5. Juve priced out of De Paul move
Juventus will not be able to match Udinese's £30 million asking price for Rodrigo De Paul. That could put Leeds United in the driving seat for the Argentine. (Calcio Mercato) (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Photo: Gabriele Maltinti
6. Leeds linked with Liverpool five
Liverpool could look to offer Xherdan Shaqiri, Harry Wilson, Sheyi Ojo, Mario Grujic, or Divock Origi to Leeds United in a bid to lure Raphinha to Anfield. (Express) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo: Justin Setterfield
7. De Jong opens up on Newcastle exit
Siem De Jong has revealed that he wishes he had "fought a little longer" for his chance to prove himself at Newcastle United. (Voetbal International) (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Photo: Matt King
8. Newcastle better option for DaGrosa than Southampton
Newcastle United would be a better purchase option for American billionaire Joseph DaGrosa than Southampton, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire. (Football Insider) (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Photo: Catherine Ivill