Andrea Radrizzani is keen to offer Kalvin Phillips a new and improved contract to ward off transfer interest in the Leeds ace from Liverpool and Manchester United, per the Daily Star.
The Old Trafford and Anfield hierarchies are plotting potential swoops for the England star next year to improve their midfields. Manchester United consider Phillips one of their top targets, and are studying a £60m package for the next summer market.
But Liverpool are also now keeping close tabs on Phillips’ situation as Jurgen Klopp wants to bolster his engine room. The Merseysiders have sustained a wealth of injuries in midfield this season, after choosing against replacing Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.
Leeds owner Radrizzani is loath to see Phillips leave for Liverpool or Manchester United and wants the midfielder to sign a new contract. Whites Director of Football Victor Orta has begun to hold talks with Phillips’ representatives, as well, over possible terms.
Phillips may become the highest earner at Elland Road if he commits his future to the West Yorkshire outfit. Club chiefs are prepared to smash their existing wage structure if it means keeping Marcelo Bielsa’s talismanic anchor.
Additionally, the Whites product is reluctant to leave his hometown club, but has started to question his Elland Road future. The 25-year-old fears Bielsa will leave the club at the end of the season, leaving him to weigh up where his best chance at winning silverware will be.
Radrizzani keen for new Leeds contract for Phillips
Radrizzani knows a lucrative transfer to an established title-contending side may appeal to Phillips if he does not sign a new contract with Leeds. The Whites academy product last extended his terms in 2019, per the Daily Mail, penning a £20k-a-week deal running to 2024 following interest from Burnley and Aston Villa, who refused to pay £20m at the time.
Phillips’ stock has since skyrocketed after helping Leeds secure promotion into the Premier League and becoming an England regular. The 17-cap international is a vital part of Bielsa’s and Gareth Southgate’s puzzles for club and country.
Reports by 90min also recently claimed his importance may result in a club-record contract at Elland Road soon. Catapulting Phillips to the top of Leeds’ wage bill with the Whites’ first deal worth over £100k-a-week. Patrick Bamford – after renewing in August – and Raphinha are currently the top-earners at Elland Road on terms worth around £70k-a-/w.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
