Kalvin Phillips IS ready to commit his long-term future to Leeds - Mail Online 4/4/22
Kalvin Phillips IS ready to commit his long-term future to Leeds despite interest from Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa - but England midfielder puts talks on hold until the summer due to change of agents
Kalvin Phillips has told Leeds United he is willing to
extend his stay
The 26-year-old midfielder has two years left on his deal at
Elland Road
He is aware of interest from Aston Villa, West Ham and
Newcastle United
By SIMON JONES
Kalvin Phillips's future is unlikely to be resolved until
June as Premier League rivals continue to circle.
The Leeds United midfielder, who has two years left on
contract, has told the club he is willing to extend his stay at Elland Road and
is aware of interest from Aston Villa, West Ham and Newcastle United among
others.
However, Phillips is in the process of changing agents and
the agreement with his current representative is due to end this summer.
Until that business is finalised, conclusive talks over the
next stage of his career are unlikely to take place.
Leeds also have to secure their Premier League status and so
far that looks on course. The 26-year-old England international has always
shown his affection for the club but is keen to play in the Champions League.
Phillips, who is in contention to start in the crucial game
against Watford on Saturday following a lengthy lay-off with a hamstring
injury, is admired by clubs competing for Champions League places but they have
yet to come to the fore and have other options to consider.
West Ham saw two offers around £55m rejected in January
while notably Aston Villa, as revealed by Sportsmail, and Newcastle are also
willing to test Leeds' resolve.
Leeds remain ambitious themselves but are realistic over the
budget they work within when negotiating.
They expect to lose winger Raphinha with Barcelona and Paris
St Germain keen and are braced for bids for Phillips and goalkeeper Illan
Meslier.
They remain hopeful of striking a deal with Red Bull
Salzburg for Brenden Aaronson and are holding talks this week over potential
strikers for the summer.
Leeds are also working on finding cover for Phillips,
Raphinha and for full back positions.