Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is becoming “more and more convinced” over staying at Elland Road, amid reports Manchester United are trying to sign the England man.
Phillips, 26, has returned to action after a hamstring injury that kept the 19-time England international on the sidelines for more than four months. He came off the bench during Saturday afternoon’s draw with Southampton.
The Manchester Evening News report that Ralf Rangnick’s side are working on a deal to sign Leeds star Phillips – despite the rivalry between clubs – this summer. Phillips is out of contract at Elland Road in the summer of 2024.
But journalist Jones claims new Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is impressing Phillips – and as such, the American gaffer is convincing Phillips to remain at Leeds this summer. But Jones does state that “money does talk”.
“They’re starting to turn the corner. He’s been really impressed by what Jesse Marsch has done so far. I do think he’s becoming more and more convinced about staying but, of course, money does talk,” Jones said.
Jones on Phillips: Leeds star surely ignores move to Manchester United
Phillips is a player that deserves Premier League football, that deserves a contract much more befitting of a player that starred for England and played in the Euro 2020 final. But there are two reasons why he stays.
Firstly, he has been injured for much of the season. Saturday was only his 16th outing. If he is to leave Leeds, surely he will want to do it by giving his fanbase a season to remember? Secondly, it is Manchester United.
The club’s biggest rivals. Phillips is Leeds through and through, academy to fan favourite. Andrea Radrizzani needs to put his hand in his pocket and hand Phillips a six-figure a week contract. But surely, he stays at Leeds.
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