Leeds United have been handed a second chance to sign a highly-rated target…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to issue an update on Nicolas Raskin.

The 21-year-old had been a Whites target over the summer, however, a move never materialised.

Given the recent update from the renowned journalist, it could now be a perfect time to reignite that interest.

“Nicolas Raskin, one to watch as talks on new deal with Standard collapsed: he has been sent to 2nd squad. He’s disappointed, wanted a smart solution for all parties," he tweeted.

“Raskin, 2001 talented midfielder out of contract in June: UK, French, Italian, German clubs are tracking him.”

Phillips replacement

Although Tyler Adams and Marc Roca were both billed as replacements for Kalvin Phillips, it seems neither of them truly fit the mould of this young midfielder.

Having been profiled by journalist Bob Faesen, he wrote the following on the stalwart:

“He has really shone. He is a box-to-box midfielder. He can play in every position in the middle of the park. He is technically gifted, but he is also a bit of a pitbull. 

“He can run a lot, is powerful and has a good shot. He has been one of the big surprises in Belgium football this season and will be a key player for Liege.”

This admittedly could be describing Phillips during his prime at Elland Road, where he made a name for himself for his combative yet classy displays.

In his final injury-fee season at the Yorkshire outfit, he averaged a 7.21 rating upheld by his 85% pass accuracy and 2.6 tackles per game, as per via Sofascore.

Despite his youth, Raskin already boasts 96 appearances for the Standard Liege first team. He has become something of a creative presence this season too, having recorded five goal contributions across his 17 league games.

The Belgian dynamo pairs this with 3.3 tackles per game and an 84% pass accuracy, which culminates in his 7.01 average rating this season, via Sofascore.

For his age, he has already shown his dominance over his current league. Raskin has more than earned his big move, and with his availability now made apparent it could be the perfect time for current manager Jesse Marsch to strike.

It was clear that replacing Phillips was of the utmost importance to the American over the summer, but now they could be handed his long-term successor for a cut price.