Owen Hargreaves suggests Premier League managers will be looking at one Leeds player

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Owen Hargreaves has told Premier League Productions that he thinks plenty of Premier League managers will be looking at Leeds United attacker Raphinha – after the Brazilian produced another sparkling display on Monday night.

The Whites climbed into the top half of the Premier League table on Monday night with a comfortable 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Elland Road. Jack Harrison got his sixth of the season, while Patrick Bamford notched a 12th in the second half.

Raphinha, 24, joined Leeds last summer from Rennes and has since had a hand in eight goals during his 17 Premier League appearances. While he did not add to those stats against Palace, he was probably Leeds’ best player, shining from the right.

Moments of brilliance, such as his flick past Gary Cahill and his run and shot leading up to Bamford’s goal caught the eye – and he earned plenty of post-match plaudits. Hargreaves was one of those, suggesting other Premier League bosses will be looking.

“He is a proper Brazilian; the tricks and the flair. Fans, players, managers in the Premier League that will be looking at him and thinking – there’s a ton of potential there. At 24, goals and assists, it doesn’t just look pretty – it is effective,” Hargreaves said.

TBR’s view – What do Leeds need to do to keep Raphinha?

Some outlets have suggested that Liverpool are scouting Raphinha, having made such an instant impact halfway through his first season in the Premier League. If Leeds are to keep Raphinha, a new deal needs to be in the offing.

He is likely to be on a decent wage but the chances of the Brazilian being at the top end of the wage bill is unlikely given he only turned 24 in December. The likes of Rodrigo, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente – all internationals – will earn more.

Even Kalvin Phillips might be on more. Leeds need to make Raphinha one of their highest-paid players in order to keep him.