Respite for Leeds after Aston Villa make contact with impressive Kalvin Phillips alternative

Leeds United have received a boost in their quest to retain Kalvin Phillips beyond the summer after Aston Villa made contact with a different Premier League midfielder, per a report.

The future of Kalvin Phillips has been a hot topic of late. The Leeds-born midfielder has never shown anything but commitment and loyalty to his boyhood club. However, with Leeds floundering near the foot of the table, talk of a move up the league to help his career develop further has emerged.

Indeed, Aston Villa were touted to be mulling a £60m bid by the Telegraph. Furthermore, the Manchester Evening News today reported the Red Devils are actively working on a deal for Phillips right now.

Losing Phillips would be a bitter blow to Leeds who have always struggled in his absences.

They were given hope that could be avoided by a recent report from the Daily Mail. They claimed the 26-year-old is more than happy to sign an extension at Elland Road.

Now, further good news in that regard has been provided by Football Insider.

The online outlet state Aston Villa have now turned their attention to signing a Phillips alternative in the form of Brighton’s Yves Bissouma.

The 25-year-old is a one-man wrecking crew in Graham Potter’s midfield. He could be viewed as a significant upgrade on the likes of Douglas Luiz.

Contact made with Bissouma’s camp

The report states Steven Gerrard’s side have ‘been in contact’ with Bissouma’s camp. Villa now wish to be kept abreast of any development regarding his availability in the summer.

It’s noted Villa are ‘regularly scouting’ the midfield enforcer. That’s amid plans to sign ‘at least one’ new central midfielder this summer.

An elite option is also deemed to be Gerrard’s priority and Bissouma fits that billing.

Aston Villa planning massive £60m bid for Kalvin Phillips

Aston Villa will persue Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips with massive £60m bid this summer

Adding further fuel to the fire is the Mali international’s contract status.

His current deal expires in the summer of 2023. As such, if it becomes apparent he won’t pen fresh terms with the Seagulls, this summer would be the ideal time to cash in on a highly saleable asset.

Bissouma was reportedly the subject of a Villa bid in January, though Brighton knocked it back.

A potential midfield trio of John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey flanking Bissouma in the middle has all the hallmarks of a fantastic foundation from which to build upon.