Leeds’ star trio could be sold on the cheap if they are relegated from the Premier League

Leeds United could lose several of their star players, including Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford, if they are relegated from the Premier League.

Sportsmail reports that most of Leeds’ squad have relegation release clauses in their contracts which will almost certainly be triggered should Jesse Marsch’s side go down to the Championship at the end of the season.

The Yorkshire club are currently 17th in the Premier League, two points clear of the drop with four games left to play.

They are level on points with fellow strugglers Burnley, while Everton in 18th have a game in hand over their relegation rivals.

Norwich City’s relegation was confirmed last Saturday after defeat at Aston Villa, while Watford’s immediate return to the second tier is all but guaranteed and should be official after this weekend’s fixtures.

If these reports are true than Leeds are set to lose their best players for less money than they’re worth, with fees of around £30million for stars like Raphinha and Phillips likely to be accepted.

Even if the club survives the drop, they could still lose players in the summer, with winger Raphinha linked with a move to Barcelona, while defensive midfielder Phillips has been a long-time target of Manchester United.

Striker Bamford, meanwhile, has endured an injury-plagued season, which has been a partial cause of Leeds’ decline this campaign, but he will surely still attract interest after scoring 19 and assisting 10 for the club in the Premier League since promotion.

The report also claims that any player still at Elland Road next season will be forced to take a 20% to 50% pay-cut if they’re in the Championship, as owner Andrea Radrizzani looks to keep his club financially stable after its wage bill soared to £108m following the return to the Premier League in 2020.

Leeds’ survival fight continues on Sunday when they travel to Arsenal, while Everton take on Leicester on the same day, with Burnley hosting Aston Villa on Saturday.

MORE : Kalvin Phillips does not want to move to Manchester United but Leeds will accept £60m offers

MORE : Edu speaks out on Mikel Arteta’s new contract ahead of ‘big summer’ for Arsenal

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Source: Metro Sport