Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear issues cautious Raphinha update - "It's on track"

Leeds United's deal for Brazilian winger Raphinha is 'on track' according to a cautious chief executive Angus Kinnear ahead of tonight's 11pm deadline.
ON TRACK - Raphinha could complete his move to Leeds United tonight according to chief executive Angus Kinnear. Pic: GettyON TRACK - Raphinha could complete his move to Leeds United tonight according to chief executive Angus Kinnear. Pic: Getty
ON TRACK - Raphinha could complete his move to Leeds United tonight according to chief executive Angus Kinnear. Pic: Getty

Kinnear could not confirm that the deal would definitely be done in time but expressed confidence that Leeds can get it over the line and secure the 23-year-old on a permanent basis from French side Rennes. The CEO's caution stems from the failed bid to sign Daniel James on deadline day in January 2019, when Swansea pulled the plug on the deal at the very last stage.

"It's on track," he told Sky Sports, who have been camped out at Elland Road all day awaiting news of the youngster's arrival.

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"At this stage it's difficult to be too positive because we've been down this road before and things haven't gone well at the last minute. We're pretty confident we can get it over the line by the time the deadline comes."

Kinnear reiterated how pleased he is with Leed's business in the window.

"We think we've had a really good window, really pleased with the business we've done, both from a youth perspective, resigning the players that were core to the squad last year and signing some top-class international talent to compliment what we already have," he said.

"Hopefully there's maybe one more bit of good news left this evening."