Leeds United transfer news: Bielsa plots major move, Player opens up on Elland Road talks

The Brazilian has taken to life in the Premier League like a duck to water, and his performances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side are not going unnoticed.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are already considering a move to lure him away from the Whites, while Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has claimed that he is exactly his “cup of tea”.

And supporters will be pleased to see an Elland Road talent come in for so many plaudits, the obvious concern will be that it could lead to the 24-year-old's eventual exit.

As per South American outlet Fichajes, however, the Whites have already identified a potential replacement for Raphinha, and could turn to Douglas Costa in the event of him leaving.

The 30-year-old Brazilian is currently on loan at Bayern Munich from Juventus, where he has registered one goal in 11 Bundesliga outings.

A quick look at the stats would suggest that Costa is some way of matching Raphinha’s form at the moment though.

According to Whoscored, he has averaged 1.8 fewer shots per 90 minutes this season, as well as making 1.1 fewer key passes, and 0.8 fewer dribbles.

Still, Bielsa has rarely been wrong about an acquisition before.

Elsewhere, RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol has opened up on the talks he held with Leeds last summer.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on the discussions at the time, but the Croatian teenager has now revealed what really happened – and why he chose to move to Germany instead.

Speaking on the A1 Football Podcast, he said: "Bielsa personally, as well as the people from the club called me on daily basis.

“It was amazing. I couldn't believe such a big club and a great manager like him would consider me for their team. And it was always my dream to play in England too.

"It was during the summertime. I came there, and they've presented me with a great video presentation of my skills, both defensive and attacking ones.

“And I was like 'wow, they've really nailed this. I'm moving to Leeds.' But then, I've had the same feeling after meeting at RBL.

"You suddenly become more realistic once you get the offer in front of you.

“I reminded myself I'm only 18 and I'm not really sure how would I fit at Leeds, especially with all that packed schedule. I'd probably got massacred there at this phase.

"I liked the way both Leeds and RBL approached me, but I've decided Germany is the better option for my long-term development.

“RBL wanted to keep me at Dinamo until Dayot [Upamecano] leaves, and they've guaranteed me I'll come in once he goes, which will probably happen in the summer."

Gvardiol was loaned back to Zagreb this season after completing a permanent switch to Leipzig last year.

The 19-year-old certainly has potential too, making five appearances for Croatia's U21s and registering six outings in the Europa League this term.

We’ve gathered the rest of this afternoon’s Premier League gossip below: