"All signals seem to point" - Journalist hints £60k-p/w star could now walk away from Leeds

Leeds United fans’ favourite Raphinha is likely to seal a move away from Elland Road despite playing a key role in maintaining their Premier League status, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Brazilian scored from the spot as the Whites overcame Brentford, allowing them to climb out of the relegation zone on the final day of the campaign.

Raphinha is about to enter the final two years of his £60,000-per-week contract, but Leeds are keen to tie him down to a fresh agreement.

It is understood that talks over a new deal were put on hold while the Yorkshire giants’ top flight status was in jeopardy.

While Raphinha has yet to sign on the dotted line, Barcelona have looked to capitalise and push through a switch to the Nou Camp.

West Ham United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown an interest in the winger, so the Catalan giants are not the only admirer.

Raphinha was the subject of a £50million bid from West Ham during the January transfer window, but Leeds rejected the proposal.

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O’Rourke believes Raphinha was desperate to keep Leeds in the Premier League and would have been overjoyed to have scored a vital goal on the final day of the season.

However, the journalist still feels there is a distinct possibility that the seven-cap Brazil international is set to leave Elland Road.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Raphinha loved helping Leeds to stay up but he could still move on, on better terms.

“He did want to leave the club if they went down to the Championship and, for Leeds, staying up is better for them because they will get more money for him if they do sell him as a Premier League club