Marsch: I haven’t spoken to Raphinha about Barcelona interest

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch says he is determined to get the best out of Barcelona-linked Raphinha while he remains at Elland Road.

Brazil winger Raphinha, who signed a four-year deal when he joined Leeds from Rennes in October 2020, has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer.

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Leeds have been in talks with his agent, former Barcelona midfielder Deco, regarding a new contract, but Marsch said he had not discussed his future with the player beyond the current season.

Marsch said: “He is a massive talent and my challenge, despite all of the talk outside, is to have the relationship where we can focus on his development in helping the team while he is here.

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“I haven’t had a word with him about Deco or Barcelona. It (Barca’s interest) should be out there because he is fantastic.

“I just want him to become the player I know he can be. Everyone here wants to enjoy the football he can play and of course we want him to stay as long as possible. He’s a fantastic player and very good person.”

Raphinha missed Leeds’ win at Wolves before the international break after testing positive for Covid but is back in contention for Saturday’s home Premier League game against Southampton.

Marsch