LEEDS WON’T CAVE IN ON RAPHINHA

LEEDS are under no pressure to cash in on sought-after star Raphinha this summer.

Raphinha (above), who has contributed five goals and five assists this term, is firmly on Liverpool’s radar.

But the Leeds bank balance has been transformed by their Premier League return and, for the first time since they went into financial freefall in 2002, they do not have to sell their star players. A £50million investment from the San Francisco 49ers has also boosted Elland Road coffers.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa (circle) splashed out £100m in the transfer market last year – winger Raphinha was signed for £17m from Rennes – and plans to spend more this summer.

Leeds, not in action until next

Monday at West Ham, want to push for Europe next season and see Raphinha as key to those ambitions.

Raphinha’s contract, which runs until June 2024, does not include a buy-out clause. And the 24-year-old has settled well in Yorkshire.

FORMER Chelsea hero Paul Canoville issued a thank-you from his hospital bed to well-wishers, as he recovered from “my closest call yet”.

The 58-year-old (above) is recovering from complications following surgery last month, having battled through cancer three times, and spoken openly about problems with drugs after his football career finished.

‘Canners’ – who starred for the Blues in the ’80s (below) – remains in hospital but is off the critical list and said to be making good progress.

And on social media, he said: ”I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and good wishes sent to me and my family. “Please accept my heartfelt love and gratitude to each and every one of you who had me in your thoughts and prayers. Although this has been my closest call yet, the positive vibes, love and prayers of you all have seen me through.

“It’s a long way to my full recovery but I’m here. Thank you for believing in me and I can’t wait to see you all.”

Canoville became Chelsea’s first black player when he signed for the club in 1981, and was subjected to appalling racist abuse on and off the pitch. He has since become a prominent anti-discrimination campaigner.

The Southall-born former winger also runs the successful Paul

Canoville Foundation, working to build better lives for London’s youth.