Leeds United supporters need to accept that Raphinha will move on at some point in the near future, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Raphinha exit talk

Leeds-related news has been dominated by talk of the Brazilian's future in recent weeks, with the player strongly linked with a move to Barcelona, and some reports that a deal has already been agreed with the Catalan giants.

The 25-year-old is Leeds' top scorer in the Premier League this season, netting nine times and standing out as comfortably his team's greatest attacking threat.

It remains to be seen if Raphinha will still be at Elland Road next season, and Hay has provided his thoughts on the situation.

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The Latest: Hay offers Raphinha insight

Writing in his mailbag for The Athletic on Monday, the reliable journalist said that the winger won't be around forever, even though there has been hope over him signing a new deal. He stated:

"First things first, Barcelona are very much interested in him. In terms of future destinations for Raphinha, they were always a prime candidate - partly because of their standing and partly because of the very strong link between the Catalan club and his agent, Deco, who spent four years there as a player in the early 2000s. What we can say at this stage is that they have not submitted any offers to Leeds.

"Around Christmas, Victor Orta and Deco met at least twice and there was plenty of optimism about Raphinha agreeing new terms. Very little has been said since then and common sense tells you that both Leeds’ brush with relegation and the change of head coach at Elland Road will have dissuaded the player from rushing into signing a longer deal. He knows he is sought-after.

"I get the feeling that the club and the fanbase are realistic enough to accept that the 25-year-old Brazilian is a player who will move on to bigger things at some stage."

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The Verdict: Expect him to leave

Some players simply come to the end of their cycle at a club, outgrowing it before moving to a team more suitable to the level that they have reached.

That appears to be the case with Raphinha, who has matured into a wonderful footballer, already scoring three times in his first seven appearances for Brazil and being hailed as 'phenomenal' by Rio Ferdinand.

Should Leeds be relegated to the Championship, there is simply no doubt that Raphinha will leave, but that may well apply even if Jesse Marsch's side remain in the Premier League.

In other news, Hay has also discussed Leeds' chances of signing one player this summer. Find out who it is here.