MY ACCOUNT
Aston Villa are reported to be preparing a £60million raid for Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
West Ham, Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool have also been linked with the boyhood Whites fan but the Times believe the Villans are at the head of the pack.
LiveScore look at the race for Phillips’ signature ahead of a key year for the Yorkshire Pirlo with England’s World Cup preparations stepping up.
No two-horse race
Villa are willing to break open the piggy bank to land Phillips but the frontrunners are not without competition.
The 19-cap international has been on the Hammers’ radar since the winter transfer window, while resurgent Toon are also in the market for midfielders and have cash to burn.
The Irons’ pursuit could step up as they look for a ready-made replacement in front of the defence, if interest in Declan Rice was to turn into a summer exit.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and United transfer chiefs have also been touted as admirers but interest has cooled in recent weeks and an Old Trafford move faces the added complication of the rivalry between the clubs.
Ambitious Villa would appear to be the best bet for Phillips with Steven Gerrard employing an attractive brand of football and adding quality throughout the side, although securing a permanent move for Philippe Coutinho could be the priority.
Leeds through and through
Phillips is no stranger to interest but having been at his hometown club since 2010, he has so far not been tempted to seek greener pastures.
The 26-year-old helped spearhead their promotion to the Premier League and went from an unspectacular Championship player to midfield general under former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.
Phillips already made the most of his tackling ability and incredible stamina to break up play but also added the capability to pull the strings in the engine room.
Leeds took 53 points from the 29 matches he played last season, compared to just six from nine when he missed out, and his injury issues this season have coincided with the Whites’ struggles.
After Bielsa’s departure, Phillips said: “Thank you Marcelo for everything you have done for me. You saw in me what I didn’t even see in myself. You helped me grow as a player but most importantly as a person.
“Wishing you all the best in your next chapter. Gracias Marcelo. Vamos Leeds Carajo!!”
Having seen his mentor replaced with Jesse Marsch, Phillips could decide this summer is the time to move on and continue his development.
World Cup dreams
One man who will be keeping a close eye on proceedings is England boss Gareth Southgate.
With the Qatar World Cup approaching, the Three Lions will be desperate for the playmaker to get over the hamstring injury which has seen him miss the last three months.
Phillips returned to the bench for Leeds’ comeback win over Wolves last week but did not play and will sit out of England’s pair of friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast this month.
When he returns to fitness, a place in the squad is guaranteed for the cult hero after he played a starring role in the run to the Euro 2020 final.
At the moment, Phillips’ focus will be on Leeds’ clash with Southampton on April 2 but he could have a big decision to make this summer which would affect the whole of England, not just his birthplace.
