Former Tottenham boss urges Spurs to go for winger who could play for any PL team

Tim Sherwood says Leeds United will struggle to keep Raphinha this summer and has urged Tottenham to break the bank to sign him.

The Brazilian has been one of Leeds’ few shining lights this season and already he has become a firm favourite of new boss Jesse Marsch. The winger found himself subbed ay half-time in two of the games towards the end of Marcelo Bielsa reign. But American boss Marsch has counted on Raphinha for every minute of all three games he has taken charge for.

The last of which was the dramatic win over Norwich in which Raphinha laid on the late winner for Joe Gelhardt.

The former Rennes man has scored nine times this season and contributed three assists. However, there is a question mark over his future. He was linked with a move away from West Yorkshire in January. Both Bayern Munich and West Ham were said to be interested in the 25-year-old in January.

Raphinha still has over two years still left on his current deal. Leeds want to extend his stay and make him their highest earner in the process.

And last month the Yorkshire Evening Post claimed Leeds remained hopeful of securing a new deal for their star man.

They reported that, contrary to reports, talks between the club and his agent Deco were ongoing.

And while an agreement was not imminent, they stated negotiations remain in “a positive place”.

Leeds will struggle to keep Raphinha

But while his long-term future remains up in the air, speculation will rage. And former Tottenham boss Sherwood says Spurs should try and sign him.

“[It will be] very difficult to keep him. I’m not exaggerating to say he could play anywhere in the Premier League. There is not a team he wouldn’t fit. It depends how regularly he wants to play, and Leeds’ ambition,” Sherwood told the Sport Optus Analysis Show.

“He is only going to be a lot of money to buy, but it is worth it. He has shown that he can play in the Premier League, a low-risk signing. I’d like to have him at Tottenham, I think he’d be a great player at Tottenham.”

Raphinha’s value has soared since he arrived at Elland Road from Rennes for £17m plus add-ons in October 2020.

His form in the top flight, plus his call-up by Brazil has seen his value more than double. He was handed his Brazil debut against Venezuela last year. He has now made seven appearances for the national team and scored three goals, one of which was in February in the 4-0 win over Paraguay.

READ MORE: Antonio Conte ‘far from opposed’ to specific Tottenham exit route as contact received

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