Aston Villa are reportedly planning to make a fresh move for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips after seeing previous bids rejected.
According to a report from The Sun on Sunday (30/6; page 59), Aston Villa are prepared to offer £20 million in their attempt to sign Kalvin Phillips this summer with Leeds rejecting their previous bids for the midfielder.
Phillips appears to be a key target for Dean Smith as the Villans continue their preparations for their Premier League return, but it seems that Marcelo Bielsa’s men have no interest in making it easy for Phillips to leave Elland Road this summer.
The Sun on Sunday (30/6; page 59) reports that Villa could return with a fresh offer after seeing their previous bids turned down by the Peacocks – who want a figure much closer to £30 million as they do their best to hold onto the academy graduate.
The report notes that Leeds would rather sell other key stars than let Phillips go – which is certainly no surprise given how important he proved to be to Bielsa’s side during the Argentinian’s first year in the Championship – but the latest bid is set to give them a ‘real headache’.
Could Leeds make a statement?
Leeds’ resolve to keep Phillips is being seriously put to the test this summer, and a potential £20 million bid may divide some of the supporters slightly more as they crave the kind of signings that will ensure that they clear the final hurdle in the promotion race this coming year.
But replacing Phillips is not going to be easy, and the large majority of fans will be hoping that Andrea Radrizzani tells Villa that their latest planned bid is still nowhere near good enough.
Villa reaped the rewards of keeping Jack Grealish away from the Premier League 12 months ago. And Leeds should absolutely be looking to do similar with Phillips this summer, regardless of the money that Smith’s men put on the table before the deadline.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
