Leeds chief Kinnear makes Kalvin Phillips intentions abundantly clear

Leeds United managing director Angus Kinnear has confirmed the club are in talks over a new and improved contract for in-demand midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Phillips, 23, has been the subject of an approach from Aston Villa this summer following Leeds’ failed bid to return to the Premier League last season.

However, reports then emerged suggesting that Leeds have slapped a £30m price tag on their homegrown star given his importance to manager Marcelo Bielsa and in a bid to ward off the Premier League new boys.

Reports over the weekend suggested Villa’s opening offer for the player was as low as £11million – some way short of Leeds’ valuation – though we revealed earlier this week that Dean Smith’s side have tried to supplement that by offering Leeds the chance to sign a number of their unwanted stars as part of the package.

Leeds, however, are unlikely to be interested in any potential swap and were reported to have offered Phillips a new deal in an effort to beat off the interest in his services.

Reports claim that while Phillips had rejected the club’s initial offer, talks were continuing over a deal that would elevate Phillips’ salary to among their highest earners.

And Leeds MD Kinnear has confirmed Leeds’ desire to retain the midfielder’s services

“Kalvin is part of the plan. We are talking about a new contract. We want him to play in the Premier League for Leeds United,” Kinnear told BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone at a fans’ beach party in Cottesloe ahead of Wednesday’s game against Manchester United.

The statement would suggest Leeds are likely to reject all approaches for Phillips as they look to tie him down to an improved deal at Elland Road, with reports that a new four-year deal is on the table.

Phillips is one of just a 16-man travelling Leeds squad who take on Manchester United in Perth on Wednesday (kick-off 12pm BST).

 

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Kalvin Phillips Leeds

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