The Aston Villa hierarchy are understood to be adamant that Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips is the main summer target, backing Steven Gerrard’s pursuit.
There are growing reports suggesting that Villa are set to push hard for the signing of Phillips.
The Times reported on Sunday that Villa lead the race to sign Phillips in a staggering £60million transfer this summer.
Steven Gerrard is desperate to bolster his midfield this summer and has picked out Phillips as his number one target.
It now seems that Gerrard’s chase is being firmly backed up by the Villa hierarchy who ‘want that to happen’ according to the Birmingham Mail.
It’s added that the Villa hierarchy are ‘adamant’ about signing Phillips and will start their push as soon as the transfer window opens.
That Villa hierarchy above Gerrard will primarily surround chief executive Christian Purslow and sporting director Johan Lange.
A few players may need to leave in order to fund that £60million deal though, especially with huge wages needed to tempt Phillips.
Fans will remember that Villa did attempt to sign Phillips in 2019. Villa had won promotion whereas Leeds had missed out in the playoffs.
Phillips decided to ignore Villa’s attempts and instead sign a new contract with Leeds.
Villa may be desperate to sign Phillips but this still just feels a little unlikely.
Phillips is a Leeds hero and he would surely only leave Elland Road for the absolute right move, possibly one of the so-called ‘big six’.
Villa aren’t in that mix, and whilst they will hope for European football and have one of the greatest midfielders ever in charge in Gerrard, it’s still a big ask to convince Phillips.
Add in that Leeds now have hope of staying in the Premier League and the Whites may not be under any real pressure to sell.
Villa are prepared to throw money at the deal, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Phillips preferred to stay loyal to Leeds until a ‘big six’ team make their move.
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