Leeds United like to think Rafinha will still be with the club when the World Cup arrives later this year, according to a report in The Athletic.
The future of Rafinha has become a topic of special discussion lately. There has been a lot of speculation about the Brazilian international joining Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old has scored eight goals in 16 Premier League appearances this season. He is, somehow, Leeds' top scorer.
On the way to closing the new agreement?
White fans have always been fairly realistic about what Rafinha's future might be, especially as he proves himself on the international stage with Brazil.
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And with Marcelo Bielsa’s side struggling, the links with Bayern may have been particularly worrying for some. Losing him in January would be a huge blow to their hopes of remaining in the Premier League.
But it would appear that those working behind the scenes at Leeds are a lot more optimistic than the reports would suggest they have any reason to be.
The Athletic has reported that talks over a new contract are underway. It is claimed he is in line for an improved wage and an extension to a deal running until 2024. He is currently said to be earning £63,500-a-week.
Of course, sceptics may assume that the terms are simply designed to ensure that Leeds receive a bigger fee when it comes to selling him. And some may fear that that sale is likely in the summer.
However, it would appear that the Whites are hopeful that he will still be at Elland Road once the next two transfer windows are consigned to the history books.
The Athletic suggests Leeds like to think that he will head to the World Cup while still a Whites player.
Leeds fans will probably give Rafinha a lot to stay on Elland Road next season
Having Rafinha with Leeds at the start of the World Cup would be a real statement. Apparently, there seems to be no chance of him sticking around if he falls in the championship.
And there's a lot of speculation going on in the summer, even if they do. He is a player who seems to be lucky for Champions League football.
The Leeds may not expect the World Cup to keep Rafinha. But if he is still a Leeds player, and becomes brighter, the whites will be more qualified to ask for tears.
