'Different gravy' - Phil Hay: Leeds could struggle to 'keep hold' of summer signing

Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds United winger Raphinha could start to attract interest from elsewhere after his phenomenal start in the Premier League.

The Brazilian scored once again in the 2-1 defeat against Everton on Wednesday and continues to catch the eye under Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds somehow managed to sign the 24-year-old for £17million from Rennes, and Hay labelled the work from Victor Orta as "top recruitment."

Speaking in an Athletic Q&A after the game on Wednesday, Hay admitted that the Whites could struggle to hold on to Raphinha in the future.

"Raphinha - different gravy," he said.

"Too much of this and we'll get round to the discussion of how Leeds keep hold of him. Top recruitment there."

It is hard to disagree with that claim, but Leeds have planned long-term.

The 24-year-old is tied up at Elland Road until 2024, and any team potentially wanting to snap him up before then would surely have to pay more than double the £17million just spent by the Whites.

Raphinha spoke out after his move, claiming he felt unwanted at Rennes.

Under Marcelo Bielsa, the South American is loving the style of attacking football as it hands him free-reign to get forward consistently.

It's paying off too. Raphinha has scored two and assisted a couple of goals in his previous three Premier League fixtures, and is quickly becoming the most important cog of this Leeds side.

Andrea Radrizzani and Orta are building something special at Elland Road, and the rest of the squad will be built around Raphinha for many years to come.

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