Football journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided an update regarding the future of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The lowdown: Major interest in Phillips
The 26-year-old has been at the centre of intense transfer speculation for some time now, and the upcoming summer transfer window appears to be an important one for his future.
Premier League rivals Manchester United have recently emerged as the leading suitors, seemingly eclipsing previous interest from West Ham United and Aston Villa.
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However, relegation-threatened Leeds could be bracing themselves for a battle to keep the highly-rated midfielder regardless of their top-flight status…
The latest: O’Rourke predicts ‘big race’ for Phillips
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that the 19-cap England international will be a wanted man should he decide to move on from Elland Road.
The journalist said: “If Kalvin Phillips does decide to leave Leeds this summer, there’s going to be a big race for his signature.
“I’m sure Leeds would love to keep hold of him as well.”
The verdict: At all costs
Unfortunately, without top-flight football, it seems certain that Phillips would leave Elland Road at the end of the season, despite the local hero’s strong affiliation with the club.
The combative midfielder has endured an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, making just 19 appearances across all competitions. However, now that he’s back to fitness for the crucial run-in, Jesse Marsch may well turn to the £50m-rated Englishman to inspire the Yorkshire club to safety.
Having already amassed 230 appearances for his boyhood club, any move away will have to meet the club’s demands and will likely come with a heavy heart. Meanwhile, a switch to arch-rivals Manchester United could already be off the table out of respect to the Whites’ faithful, which would at least soften the blow if Phillips does move on in the summer.
In other news: Eddie Gray curses ‘tremendous blow’ regarding ‘vital’ Leeds colossus live on air…find out more here