An Italian football journalist has dropped a big Leeds United transfer update on Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Raphinha in demand

Raphinha is clearly a player that is going to attract a lot of attention in the summer window, given some of his dazzling displays at Elland Road in the 2020/21 season.

The Brazilian managed to score six goals and make a further nine assists in the Premier League for the Yorkshire club, the most assists out of any of his teammates, despite being limited to just 30 games in total (Whoscored).

He also ranked the highest among Marcelo Bielsa's squad in terms of both key passes (2.1) and dribbles (1.9) a game (Whoscored), showing just how key of a player he was.

The Latest: Liverpool lead Raphinha race

As per Italian football journalist and transfer specialist Gianluigi Longari, it is Liverpool that are currently leading the race to sign Raphinha, but both Manchester United and Manchester City are closely following behind.

However, Longari warns that it is 'not a simple deal', as ultimately the Whites would like to keep him.

The Verdict: Leeds must keep Raphinha

Given that the Peacocks finished in a very impressive ninth-place in the top flight in their first season back in the division, they should be under little pressure to sell their star man.

Regarded as a 'phenomenal' player by LUFC legend Jermaine Beckford after his inspiring performance against Fulham earlier on in the year, Leeds must also resist selling him to a direct rival if possible.

Currently rated at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, if the Whites do wish to sell the winger, then they should be demanding a monster fee in order to let him go, given just how important he has proven to be to them.

In other news, find out what big transfer boost LUFC have been given here!