Sherwood thinks Raphinha is set to be offered new Leeds contract

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There is plenty of talk about the future of Leeds winger Raphinha ahead of the summer transfer window, with Leeds still not completely safe.

Relegation would mean the Brazilian is all but off; he has a relegation release clause and he is not a Championship footballer.

If Leeds stay up, and their last two results have improved their chances hugely, Tim Sherwood said on the Wrighty and Kelly show that he expects a new contract to be offered.

But he also added that Raphinha plays like a Liverpool player, and the Reds may soon need a left-footed right winger if Mo Salah cannot resolve his contract issues and leaves.

“Raphinha especially in the Premier League at the moment he’s the man who stands out. He is dragging them forward. He’s got that guile, playing off the right and cutting in on his left foot,” he said.

“He looks like a Liverpool player to me, that type. He’s capable. That shape, got pace and strength and he sees the pass and gives it at the right time.

“He’s got a swagger about him as well and looks like he could play at the highest level.

“But Leeds is a massive football club and if they stay at the club and want him to invest in the side, why don’t you stay for the future? I think they will try and tie him down to a long-term contract.”

Raphinha is a sensational talent and has been a major player in Leeds’ season so far, and will be vital to their further hopes of staying up.

They will try and do everything they can to get him to stay or at least extend his deal to get the absolute maximum transfer fee for him when he does leave.

It could be a big summer for Leeds as they embark on their first window after Marcelo Bielsa left the club, looking to fill out the squad and reshape it to Jesse Marsch’s demands.