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Leeds United are set for a stern battle in the transfer market to retain the services of Kalvin Phillips as 12 Premier League sides eye a move, according to TEAMtalk.
What’s the word?
Leeds have always held a reputation as a side who develop top-class footballers but the Peacocks have lost many of those talents in recent years to top-flight clubs, which has proven to be detrimental in their battle for a return to the Premier League.
Stability has been found this season following the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa but another fight in the market looks set to develop, as TEAMtalk reports 12 Premier League sides are eyeing a move for Phillips.
The 22-year-old, capable of playing in defence or midfield, is said to have been scouted extensively in recent weeks and the report names Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal amongst the clubs keeping tabs on his performances.
What should Leeds do?
Bielsa should fight tooth and nail to retain the services of Phillips, who has featured in all ten of Leeds’ Championship games this season and has contributed two assists to his side – a decent start for a player who scored seven and provided three assists last season.
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Phillips, who was often the scapegoat for Whites fans on Twitter during a difficult 2017/18 campaign, has established himself as a regular in the heart of midfield for the Peacocks and will play a key role in the club’s battle to return to the top-flight, so they must ensure the 22-year-old does not seal an exit for Elland Road.
It would also be the best course of action in the long-term too as Phillips’ value will increase significantly if Leeds earn promotion and he impresses in the Premier League, while the report from TEAMtalk also suggests he is being eyed by England boss Gareth Southgate.
That would also increase his market worth but Leeds should not be looking at the price-tag for now and should instead block any advances for their talented academy graduate.
