Leeds ‘would love to keep’ £60m star at Elland Road
Leeds United ‘would love to keep’ midfielder Kalvin Phillips, but the central midfielder will have a host of suitors fighting for his signature if he wants to leave Elland Road, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 19-cap England international may have missed a large chunk of the season thanks to a hamstring injury, but that has not stopped numerous clubs mulling over whether to make a summer move for the Whites star.
Leeds are reportedly keen to hold onto Phillips for at least another season, but it has emerged that he is in the process of changing his agent as he looks to force through a transfer away from the Yorkshire giants.
Although Manchester United are among the 26-year-old’s admirers, the Daily Mail have revealed a switch to Old Trafford is not in the offing as Phillips would reject a move to Leeds’ arch-rivals out of loyalty to his boyhood club.
However, the report suggests Leeds would consider bids worth in the region of £60million if they fail to tie Phillips, who has made 230 appearances for the club, down to an extended agreement.
That is a fee Aston Villa are willing to pay and they could even offer a contract worth £10million to sweeten the deal for the midfielder.
West Ham United may also return to Elland Road with another proposition after failing with a £50million bid during the final days of the January transfer window.
O’Rourke believes a large number of clubs will be vying for Phillips’ services if it becomes clear that he is keen to leave Leeds at the end of the season.
However, the journalist feels the Whites are eager to see their academy product remain at Elland Road beyond the closure of the upcoming transfer window.
O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “If Kalvin Phillips does decide to leave Leeds this summer, there’s going to be a big race for his signature.
“I’m sure Leeds would love to keep hold of him as well.”
