Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear has suggested on The Square Ball podcast that Kalvin Phillips is unlikely to get a new contract this summer.
Kinnear has raved about Leeds midfielder Phillips, who played a big role for England at Euro 2020 this summer.
However, the Englishman has suggested that Leeds are not going to rush into handing the 25-year-old a new deal.
Kinnear has said that Phillips already has three more years left on his current deal.
The Leeds CEO has further said that two more players will be given new deals in the coming days after Stuart Dallas and Tyler Roberts.
Kinnear said on The Square Ball podcast, as transcribed by The Yorkshire Evening Post: “Our job, which I think Marcelo, Victor and Andrea are fantastic at, is making sure all the players feel wanted and valued and they can grow at Leeds United.
“Kalvin is a long-term pillar for the club. We’ll work with him and his representatives to make sure he feels valued and motivated and wants to be at Leeds United.
“At the moment he’s got three years on his contract, it’s a healthy contract and we don’t need to rush into any of these things. But we defend interest in our players very vigorously in the market place.”
Kinnear added, as transcribed by Leeds Live: “There should be a couple more [contract extensions] announced in the next few days.”
Sensible stance
Phillips was brilliant for Leeds last season and helped England reach the Euro 2020 final this summer.
Many observers would say that the 25-year-old deserves to be recognised and handed a new contract with a pay-rise.
That would be the immediate reaction, but Kinnear’s argument is valid.
Phillips has three years left on his current deal.
Moreover, players are paid to do their job, that is, play to the best of their ability.
There is no need for Leeds to rush into anything now, especially as there are no credible reports claiming that Phillips is in huge demand.
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