The Mirror claim Newcastle are looking to tempt Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips into a move to Tyneside this summer by handing the England Euro 2020 star a deal worth £120,000 a week. Villa and West Ham are also keen.
Phillips, 26, finally made his return from a long-term hamstring injury on Saturday afternoon – coming on for the final part of his side’s 1-1 draw with Southampton. He came through unscathed and could start this weekend.
Talks remain ongoing behind the scenes over a potential new deal for Phillips, who has clocked up 227 senior appearances for his boyhood club. But Newcastle are ready to tempt Phillips into ignoring a new Leeds deal.
The Mail, meanwhile, claim Aston Villa and West Ham still want to sign the England star. West Ham had £55million offers rejected in January. Now, Newcastle are looking to steal a march on their Premier League rivals.
Newcastle eye Phillips deal: Toon, Villa, West Ham or Leeds?
Which is best for Phillips right now? The only club able to offer European football is West Ham – and it would see him team up with Declan Rice, the player he combined perfectly with at Euro 2020 last summer.
That is, of course, if Rice stays. Newcastle would be able to offer Phillips huge cash and the chance to be part of a long-term project. He fits the blueprint of transfer they want – but they do already have Jonjo Shelvey.
Villa would hand Phillips the chance to work under Steven Gerrard and he almost joined them beforehand. But would Phillips really leave Leeds, after a season in which he has been injured? He will want to sign off in style.
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