Leeds should be looking to hand Kalvin Phillips a contract extension.
Leeds United’s play-off heartbreak comes at a price. The club must stop the vultures from circling.
The Sun claimed in April (14/4 p61) that Southampton would try for Phillips if Leeds failed to win promotion, with the Whites seeking at least £20 million to be convinced to sell.
Leeds can take it a step beyond a high asking price, by taking further preventative measures, and agreeing Kalvin Phillips to a new contract.
Phillips’ last contract extension came in 2017, a four-year deal which runs out in 2021.
He is halfway through, and by the end of next season Leeds will be in a weak position, knowing he is just 12 months away from leaving for nothing.
Leeds won’t want it to get to either 2020, or worst case 2021, without Phillips signing a new deal.
If they did want to sell Phillips, now would be the best time, but he is so integral to manager Marcelo Bielsa’s strategy and plans that it makes little sense.
Tying Phillips to a contract extension will show Leeds’ financial confidence, and make an early statement that they mean business this summer, and heading into next season.
Keeping Phillips will lay a marker down, and help potential signings see this is a club who are determined to move forward.
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