Aston Villa have long been linked with a move for Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips. The Midlands club are expected to go after a midfielder in the summer – and now, their pursuit of Phillips might have been given a boost.
Phillips, 26, returned from a long-term hamstring injury earlier this month and earned his first start since early December on Monday. He played the entire 90 minutes as Leeds clung on to a crucial point against Palace.
The midfielder has earned rave reviews for his progress over the past two years, becoming an England regular and a crucial part of the side that reached the Euro 2020 final. He was brilliant, alongside Declan Rice.
Little surprise that clubs are interested and the ambitious, big-spending Villa are among those said to be looking at Phillips. The Times claimed in March that Steven Gerrard’s side are leading the £60m race for him.
Why Newcastle loanee Targett could help Villa sign Leeds star Phillips…
Matty Targett joined Newcastle on loan in January from Villa, after the Villans signed Lucas Digne from Everton. Targett has been excellent for Newcastle since – and the Toon are expected to sign him permanently.
But 90Min say that Newcastle are not the only club interested in Targett. The Toon have been joined by Leeds in the race to sign the ex-Saints star. Leeds need a left-back, with Junior Firpo failing to make an impression.
Stuart Dallas is being picked above Firpo, but Dallas himself is now 31 and is not naturally a defender. So, it is easy to see why Leeds want to sign Targett this summer. Villa could use it to their advantage.
With Leeds wanting Targett and Villa wanting Phillips, surely chucking Targett in a deal for Phillips would convince Leeds to cash in – if they offer a £45million fee plus Targett to land the Leeds academy star? Time will tell.
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