Leeds accused of lacking ambition in back-and-forth debate surrounding star man’s future

Leeds United have been accused of lacking ambition in a back-and-forth debate surrounding the future of star man Kalvin Phillips.

After a fabulous return season in the Premier League, the Yorkshire club have surprisingly struggled this year. Their perilous position in the league table has heightened speculation of outgoing transfers.

Not only has Raphinha been linked to the exit door, but also Phillips, with both having contract expiries of June 2024.

They could each slot into the starting XI of a top six side, but Leeds hope they will stay and help turn them in contenders for European football.

To that point, talkSPORT host Jim White said on Wednesday: “Leeds will always argue that they’ve got the ambition.”

His co-host Simon Jordan replied: “Well, what have they shown? With respect, buying Dan James doesn’t show a lot of ambition for me.

“Buying players of that ilk doesn’t advance Leeds to a level that they need to go to which is competing inside the top 10.”

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However, the former Crystal Palace chairman does feel the Whites can convince Phillips to stay.

“I’m a big admirer of Leeds United Football Club,” continued Jordan.

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“I realise that they’ve been out of the Premier League for a long time, so their status as a club of significance has been greatly diminished.

“If Leeds can get their act together, they’ve got new ownership, new American shareholders who will put money behind [Andrea] Radrizzani and continue to evolve the club.

“They’ve had a difficult season. They need to concentrate on the here and now. Losing Phillips is not an option for them.

Leeds backed to fend off interest

“We’re talking about Phillips and we’re talking about where he is.

“I think Leeds are a big club, Villa are a big club, West Ham are a big club.

“He’s in a nice position to be able to consider between three.

“If Leeds can get themselves focused and streamlined and manage to support whoever is managing this football club, I’d like to think he would stay there.

“But you can make a case for all three of them. West Ham have done wonderfully this year.

“I would make a case, if I was Angus Kinnear and Leeds United, that the potential of Leeds and the size of that football club is as big, if not bigger, than Villa and West Ham.”

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