Daily Star Sunday

Biel deals will have to wait

- By ROSS HEPPENSTAL­L

MARCELO BIELSA is refusing to even think about bolstering his Leeds United squad this CAPTION: out this This summer, though, and summer – as huge uncertaint­y is thheancdap­imtiopnrov­ed deals to Kalvin persists over his own future style at for Phillips result ta and Raphinha. Elland Road. Two summers ago,

The Argentinia­n boss has homegrown midfielder Phillips been lauded as a Messiah by turned down a move to Aston Whites fans for guiding them Villa and signed a five-year deal back to the Premier League to stay at his boyhood club. after a 16-year absence. But after making his England

And tomorrow night’s visit of debut earlier this season and Liverpool will see Leeds bid to becoming an establishe­d register a fourth straight member of Gareth Southgate’s top-flight win. side, there are fears he could be

They are also seeking to the targeted by top-four clubs. secure a first top-half finish in Brazilian sensation Raphinha the Premier League since they has proved a snip since arriving claimed fifth spot in 2001-02. from Rennes for £17million

Yet Bielsa, 65 (below), has following Leeds’ promotion. shot down reports from his He has proved a key figure in native Argentina claiming that helping them to establish he has agreed a two-year themselves in the top flight – contract extension. but Bielsa claims there is much

And when pressed work still to do. about his recruitmen­t Despite winning at plans he was champions-elect Manchester non-committal, with City last time out, the seven games of the former Argentina boss campaign still claimed his side had remaining. failed to match

He said: “When a the Premier season hasn’t League’s finished we leading clubs. haven’t He said: gathered all the “We haven’t arguments to been able to establish play as modificati­ons equals in a team. against the

“It is best traditiona­l to let the top six. campaign “To finish to gather anticipate all the arguments when this will for decisions.” happen is not

Leeds could be forced prudent at the to get the chequebook moment.”

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