Report: Leeds considering Juventus wide man, if Raphinha leaves for Liverpool

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Italian website Juve Live have claimed that Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa have identified Juventus wide man Douglas Costa as the ideal replacement for Raphinha – if the Brazilian does leave Leeds in the summer, with Liverpool interested.

Costa, 30, returned to Bayern Munich on loan last summer with the option to make the deal permanent – as Andrea Pirlo chose to make him surplus to requirements. He had previously starred for Bayern, having a hand in 41 goals during 75 games.

But this season, he has only managed one goal and three assists in 21 games. Clearly, Bayern are not going to make a deal permanent while Juventus are keen to get rid. Costa is set to enter the final year of his contract at Juve in the summer.

France Football – as per GFFN – claim Liverpool have been scouting Raphinha and now Juve Live back up that interest from the Premier League champions. They claim Bielsa has identified Costa as a replacement, but a price is not yet known.

TBR’s view – Leeds should be desperate to keep Raphinha

The 24-year-old Brazilian has sparkled for Leeds this season, and the Whites have got to try everything to keep him on side. He currently has a contract until the summer of 2024 – but even extending that deal should be considered.

However, if Raphinha chooses to leave – then a replacement is required. Costa has enormous experience, including 31 caps for Brazil. But he is likely to be on enormous wages, and has certainly shown at Bayern this season that he is past his best.

Leeds would be better served going in for a player, like Raphinha, who is still young and improving. Whether they will need to replace Raphinha, of course, is clearly hypothetical with the player still impressing at Leeds.