Leeds United have been fending off interest in Kalvin Phillips.
Leeds United managing director Angus Kinnear has told Leeds Live that the club are discussing a new deal with Kalvin Phillips in an attempt to fend off Aston Villa.
The Whites missed out on promotion last season, and have already sold Pontus Jansson to Brentford, whilst Jack Clarke moved on to Tottenham Hotspur before being loaned back to Elland Road.
There are fears about the futures of both Mateusz Klich and Kemar Roofe, but the biggest concern is over midfielder Phillips.
Phillips, 23, has risen through the ranks with his hometown club, and was simply sensational in a superb season under Marcelo Bielsa last term.
Phillips has emerged as a truly brilliant holding midfield player, improving on the ball and off the ball under Bielsa, whilst having the grit and determination to protect his back four.
He looks set for a future in the Premier League sooner or later, and a host of Premier League teams are being linked with moves for him, with Aston Villa the strongest linked side.
The Mirror note that Villa have offered £11million for Phillips, with Leeds expecting much, much more if they’re to sell their prized midfielder.
Now, managing director Kinnear has admitted that the club are in talks with Phillips about a new deal, and they want him to play in the Premier League with Leeds rather than feel he needs to join Villa to play in the top flight.
“We want to keep our best players,” said Kinnear. “We want to keep Kalvin. We are talking about a new contract and we are very clear we want him to play in the Premier League with Leeds United,” he added.
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