Leeds slap huge £30m asking price on star man amid Villa links

Leeds United have told Aston Villa that they must pay £30million to land midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to the latest reports.

Speculation has continued to mount that the 23-year-old could move on following Leeds’ failed bid to return to the Premier League last season.

Wolves, Aston Villa and Bournemouth are said to have shown an interest in the player, although various media reports suggest that the Elland Road club are looking to extend Phillips’ current contract beyond the summer of 2021.

Of the clubs keen on a move for the midfielder Villa are the ones reportedly ready to make a £14million bid, but it was recently claimed that Phillips wants to stay with Marcelo Bielsa’s men.

Phillips himself even suggested his thoughts are only with Leeds, telling their official website: “The summer has been good, I’ve kept myself in shape and have been working hard and I’m just looking forward to the upcoming season coming now.

“I’m very excited for Monday, the summer has been quite short, but I don’t mind that. As soon as I get back into football I am ready to go and I’m sure the rest of the lads will be as well.”

The Sun now report that the West Yorkshire club are ready to take a firmer stance than the one that saw Lewis Cook, Charlie Taylor and Sam Byram depart.

Leeds have no intention of losing their prized assets before yet another crucial season under Bielsa, and they have apparently set Phillips’ price at a whopping £30m.

Dean Smith is desperate to upgrade on veteran duo Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak, though the amount quoted is understood to be more than double what Villa are willing to pay.

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