Chelsea eye Raphinha after West Ham bids turned down by Leeds

dailystar.co.uk:

Chelsea and West Ham could enter a Transfer Deadline Day bidding war for Leeds United hotshot Raphinha as the London rivals look to boost their attacking talents for the second half of the season.

The Brazil international forward continues to impress in the Premier League following his £17million switch from Rennes back in 2020, scoring eight goals in the league so far this season.Despite the performances of the 25-year-old, Marcelo Bielsa's men sit 15th in the table after only five wins from 21 fixtures, well out of the picture for European qualification.Two sides that can offer knockout European football are Chelsea and West Ham, who could use that to their advantage in a potential move for Raphinha.Sport Italia TV report that West Ham are leading a late charge for Raphinha, with Chelsea being one of many clubs who hold an interest in his talents.However, there is a huge stumbling block that any potential suitor would have to overcome on the final day of the window - the refusal of Leeds to consider any offers.Raphinha is under contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2024, and with Leeds not certain of Premier League safety - letting him go even for a profit could prove too risky. Should Raphinha push for a move away from Leeds?

Give us your thoughts in the comments section Bielsa said of a new contract offer that has been put to the forward: "Raphinha’s the best player in the team in all the senses."Physically he’s the best, technically he’s at the level of the best and his interpretation of the game is very wise."He’s within the group of such a powerful nation as Brazil, he shines in the Premier League and he has the attention of all the big clubs in the world."All of those things are something you guys know as.