Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa identifies Raphinha replacement as Liverpool consider transfer

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Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has reportedly conceded defeat on losing Raphinha to Liverpool this summer and has already found his ideal replacement. Leeds spent £17million to bring in Raphinha from Rennes last summer.

And he’s hit the ground running for Bielsa’s side, providing four goals and four assists in 16 Premier League appearances.

The 24-year-old has particularly impressed in recent weeks, playing a vital role in wins over Newcastle and Leicester.

That’s reportedly attracted the attention of Liverpool scouts, who are supposedly looking for further attacking reinforcements at the end of the season.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have drawn up a shortlist of players they’re hoping to target in the summer transfer window.

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And Raphinha is said to have ‘blown away’ scouts, although they could face strong competition for his signature.

Leeds would certainly command a big fee if they were to sell Raphinha, and it appears as though Bielsa is prepared to let him leave.

Raphinha has been a huge hit under Bielsa, but the Leeds boss has reportedly already identified the man he wants to come in as the Brazilian’s replacement.

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Spanish outlet Fichajes claim the Leeds boss wants Juventus winger Douglas Costa to come in to take Raphinha’s place.

Costa returned to Bayern Munich on loan at the start of the season as he was no longer seen as part of Andre Pirlo’s plans.

But the Bundesliga giants appear unlikely to make his loan move permanent as Costa has started just three league matches this season.

And with Costa’s contract running out in 2022, Juventus are expected to sound out offers for the 30-year-old this summer.

Costa has long been linked with a move to the Premier League with Manchester United previously being interested.

The versatile winger remains a tantalising option despite his poor form in recent years, largely due to a lack of opportunities at Bayern and Juventus.

He would also bring a winning mentality to a Leeds side relatively young in their development to establish themselves as a Premier League outfit.

Leeds moved up to 10th in the league table on Monday following their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace and are just seven points adrift of the European places.

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