Kalvin Phillips played well for Leeds United this season.
The former Leeds striker believes that clubs will be looking at Phillips “for sure” and has praised the 23-year-old for his progress and development.
Whelan said on BBC Radio Leeds: “They will be looking at (Jamie) Shackleton, they will be looking at Jack Clarke, they will be looking at Kalvin Phillips for sure because he is playing in a position which is a disciplined position, which is needed by successful clubs.
“He sticks to his game, he does everything right, he has improved, he has matured and he is coming into an age now where he is only going to get better and coming into his better years.”
Bids for Kalvin Phillips this summer?
Phillips was superb for Leeds this season and was one of the best players in his position in the Championship.
With the Whites having failed to clinch promotion to the Premier League, it will be a surprise if the Championship club do not need offers for the 23-year-old in the summer transfer window.
The Englishman also demonstrated his versatility this season by playing as a central defender on occasions, and that will also be attracted by clubs in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, former Leeds midfielder Johnny Giles has criticised Whites goalkeeper Kiko Casilla for his performance against Derby County at Elland Road in the second leg of the Championship playoff semi-final tie at Elland Road.
Giles said on Off The Ball: “Leeds had a terrible goalkeeper, he was a bag of nerves. There was a lack of discipline also about Leeds, I’m sorry to say. The first goal was a terrible goal, the mix-up with the goalkeeper. It was the goalkeeper’s fault.”
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