Leeds open contract talks with Raphinha in bid to fend off Liverpool and Chelsea

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Leeds United have opened contract talks with Raphinha in a bid to keep the Brazilian sensation at Elland Road.

Raphinha has become one of the hottest properties in the Premier League following a sensational campaign for Marcelo Bielsa's men.

The striker is a target of a number of leading clubs, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Bayern Munich all keen on signing the 25-year-old.

But Leeds are desperate to keep one of their prize assets – and believing securing his long-term future could also persuade Bielsa to remain with the Yorkshire club beyond this season.

And despite Raphinha still having more than three years left to run on his current deal, Leeds are willing to hand him a bumper new contract in the coming weeks.

Sporting director Victor Orta has opened negotiations with Raphinha's agent Deco and talks are said to be progressing smoothly.

Raphinha, who has scored eight goals in 19 appearances this season, signed a deal worth £55,000-a-week when he joined Leeds from Rennes for £17m in 2020.

But Leeds hope a new deal of around £100,000-a-week that would make him the highest earner at Elland Road will be enough to keep him out of the clutches of one of their rivals.

Leeds, meanwhile, have hit a brick wall in their bid to sign RB Salzburg hitman Brenden Aaronson.

Salzburg have rejected an improved offer of £20m for the American international – and Leeds could be forced to wait until the summer to land someone who remains one of Bielsa's main targets.

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