Leeds transfer news: 'Release clause' claim emerges involving £36m star

Raphinha's potential new Leeds United contract could have a release clause in it, says transfer insider Pete O'Rourke.

The 25-year-old is yet to officially sign fresh terms, but manager Marcelo Bielsa has hinted that the Yorkshire club are trying to get him to put pen to paper on a new deal, and O'Rourke thinks an agreed price over a future transfer could be included.

Raphinha is currently attracting interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs. In fact, last month, TNT Sports even claimed that the Brazilian winger was closing in on a January move to Bayern Munich.

However, that did not materialise and Raphinha now looks set to remain at Leeds for the remainder of the season.

The Whites, though, would like him to remain at Elland Road beyond the summer, with The Athletic's Phil Hay reporting that there is a growing confidence that the club will tie the £36m-rated Brazil international down to a new contract.

As well as Bayern, Liverpool are also fans of Raphinha, while West Ham have just reportedly had a bid turned down for the player.

Back in October, his agent told Globo: "Liverpool do like him and there were some approaches [last summer], but nothing official. Leeds wanted to keep him for another season."

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If Raphinha does go on to sign a new contract at Elland Road, O'Rourke thinks it could include a release clause.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the football journalist said: "I think Raphinha is happy at Leeds. He'd be looking for better terms right now, and I'm sure there might even be a release clause in there if the continued interest grows."

If Raphinha has ambitions to play for one of Europe's leading clubs, then he would be wise to. 

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