Odd Raphinha claim made amid Leeds United transfer link to Aberdeen, Jack Harrison makes training reveal - key headlines

Odd claim made about Leeds United winger Raphinha

Reports emerged on Friday evening that West Ham hold interest in signing Leeds United winger Raphinha ahead of the closure of the January transfer window.

The Daily Mirror, in an exclusive, along with Sky Sports claimed the Hammers were keen on landing his services to bolster their squad at the London Stadium - and talk of a bid emerged.

Leeds, though, are in talks with the Brazilian international - who is currently away with his country over the top flight break - and agent Deco about handing him a new deal at Elland Road after a stunning spell in the Premier League since his arrival around 18 months ago.

The 25-year-old - as Leeds have maintained throughout the winter window - is not for sale ahead of Monday's deadline day and a move to the capital appears extremely unlikely.

Marcelo Bielsa's squad are also severely depleted and cannot afford to let any key players go amid their battle with the club's ongoing injury crisis.

Jack Harrison says Leeds will be put to work by Marcelo Bielsa

Leeds United's players returned to training on Friday after a brief rest amid the international break.

“We’ve had some time off which has been nice, but I think the manager is going to work us hard coming up to the Villa game,” Harrison said.

“He’s already got three murderball [sessions] lined up for next week, so that should be really interesting. I think we’ll prepare really well, train really hard as normal and make sure we’re fully prepared.

“I think we believe in ourselves as a squad and as a club. We’re ambitious, we want to do well this season. We have been unfortunate at times but we’ve maintained that self belief.

“We have just tried to keep going. That’s the only thing you can do really, is keep moving forward. It’s so important for us to do that at this stage of the season.”

Latest Premier League rumours

Leeds United are set to launch a £5m bid to bring Calvin Ramsay to the Premier League from Aberdeen. (Daily Mail)

West Ham boss David Moyes is keen on a move for Leeds United forward Raphinha and is trying to bring in the Brazil international before the January transfer window closes. (Mirror)

Barcelona and Juventus have made official approaches to sign striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season. (Athletic)

Newcastle United are expected to increase their bid for Brighton defender Dan Burn and are also interested in signing compatriot Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal. Striker Nketiah's deal runs out in the summer. (Guardian)

Everton are interested in signing midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea. (Mail)

Aston Villa have had a £20.8m bid for Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur turned down by Juventus. (Guardian)

Tottenham also want to sign Bentancur but they want to bring him in on loan, which Juventus are not keen on. (Sky Sports)