Leeds players unwind on the beach after 21-hour flight to Brisbane ahead of pre-season tour

  /  autty

Leeds United players have been unwinding on the beach in Gold Coast after a long flight down under for their pre-season tour.

Jesse Marsch's side were pictured at Kurrawa Beach ahead of their friendly with Brisbane Roar at Cbus Super Stadium on Thursday.

Players were seen having a kickabout and playing games on the beach following the 21-hour trip to Australia.

Marsch looked relaxed as he prepares for the three-game tour, which also includes games against Aston Villa in Brisbane and Crystal Palace in Perth.

Leeds have taken a 26-man squad to Australia but it does not include Raphinha, who asked not to travel as he is hoping to seal a move away from Elland Road.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed that Barcelona appear to have won the race to sign the Brazilian winger, who had also been a target for Chelsea.

The Spanish giants are set to land the Leeds playmaker in a deal worth an overall figure of £63m.

Barcelona has always been the Brazilian's preferred destination but until recently Chelsea were the only side to meet Leeds's valuation of £55m, plus £8m add ons.

However, a late move from the Nou Camp outfit means it is now likely that the player will seal his dream switch.

Leeds narrowly avoided relegation last term and will be hoping for a better campaign in Marsch's first full season at the club.

They open their 2022-23 Premier League season at home to Wolves on August 6.

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