Kalvin Phillips has reportedly told Leeds United he wants a new contract with the Whites after West Ham made a club-record £55m offer for the midfielder.
According to the Daily Star, the England international has alerted the club he wants to remain at Elland Road for the long-term following a deadline day move from the east London Premier League club.
Phillips is a boyhood Leeds fan and has come through the club’s academy to become one of England’s top midfielders as well as a key clog for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions side. And now, the 26-year-old wants to commit his future with the Yorkshire side.
The contract news will come as a huge relief for Marcelo Bielsa as well as Leeds supporters, who view Phillips as a key part of their Premier League squad and a player who would be heartbreaking to see represent another club in the division.
Indeed, West Ham’s deadline day move for Phillips came as a surprise, with the Guardian also reporting that David Moyes’ side were keen on also signing Leeds teammate Raphinha, who has been one of the most electric players in the Premier League this season.
Phillips contract bombshell is major boost for Leeds’ future
Phillips’ success has coincided with Leeds’ rise from the Championship to the Premier League, and for the Whites, keeping hold of the England international is key to their fate in the top-flight, which is what makes this contract news so important.
The 26-year-old has proven to be one of the best defensive midfielders in England as well as a major part of Southgate’s future with the Three Lions, and for Leeds, their ambitions in the top-flight are only improved with Phillips signing a new contract.
There’s no saying whether Phillips will spend his entire career with Leeds, however, his demands for a new contract will no doubt allow the Elland Road side to have the midfielder for the prime years of his promising career.
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