Leeds United may have reason to be concerned if John McGinn leaves Aston Villa this summer.
Aston Villa do not appear to be in the mood to take no for an answer in their pursuit of Leeds star Kalvin Phillips, with The Sun on Sunday (30/6; page 59) reporting that Dean Smith’s men are prepared to pay £20 million for the midfielder who has been a revelation under Marcelo Bielsa.
The report noted that Leeds want a figure much closer to £30 million for the academy graduate, so it remains to be seen if Villa do decide to increase their bid in the coming weeks.
The Elland Road faithful may be hopeful that the club may have done enough to ensure that Phillips stays for another year as Leeds look to get promoted out of the Championship.
But there are other reports from The Sun over the weekend which may leave Leeds with reason to be a little more concerned about their chances of holding onto Phillips this summer.
The Sun suggested that Manchester United have identified John McGinn as a target during this window as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues his rebuild at Old Trafford.
The report claims that the Villans want £50 million for the Scotland international, who, like Phillips, was sensational in the Championship last season.
Villa’s number one priority will be to hold onto McGinn. But if he does leave Villa Park, Leeds should be very worried as Smith will have a huge void to fill in his midfield and up to £50 million extra in his transfer kitty to use.
There appears to be a minority of supporters who would suggest that Leeds should sell Phillips if they receive an offer of £30 million. But given what he brings to the team and how difficult it is going to be to replace him in the remaining weeks of the window, it is arguably becoming increasingly important that they do not let him go.
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