Marcelo Bielsa pours cold water on new Leeds United deal rumours

Buenos Aires-based publication La Nacion has reported that the 65-year-old is set to put pen to paper on a new two-year contract that would keep him at Elland Road until the summer of 2023.

But Bielsa, whose current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, says that the reports are inaccurate.

He said: “No, that information is not real, I would ignore the origins. Those things, either the club can say it or I can say it. We are the ones who possess this information.

“In this case, if there is any information to give, then I would give it.”

Meanwhile, Bielsa has confirmed that the club are still assessing the condition of star winger Raphinha – and expect some more clarity over the weekend.

The Brazilian, a revelation since joining Leeds from French outfit Rennes, came off late on in last weekend’s outstanding Premier League victory at champions-elect Manchester City after being on the receiving end of a heavy 89th-minute challenge from home midfielder Fernandinho, who was subsequently booked.

He limped off and was replaced by Jamie Shackleton. The wingman later posted a photograph of his left thigh bandaged on his Instagram story.

There were initial fears that Raphinha could be out for a spell, incorporating the marquee home fixtures against Liverpool, on Monday night and Manchester United, on Sunday week.

Rodrigo, who missed the game at City, is also continuing to be assessed by medical staff.

Bielsa said: “Raphinha is recovering from a knock that he picked up in the game against City. His evolution we will see in the next couple of days.

“Rodrigo received a knock in his thigh. This knock is an internal haematoma.

“He is in the process of recovering from a muscular injury obtained last week.”

Meanwhile, Adam Forshaw has been pencilled in to feature for Leeds under-23s in this evening’s game at Aston Villa – as he gains further match fitness following his long-term hip injury.

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