Leeds believe Kalvin Phillips will stay despite Man Utd interest
Cameron Smith
- 29 Apr 2022 17:28 BST
- 3 min read
Leeds United remain confident that Kalvin Phillips will stay at the club for next season, despite reported interest from Manchester United.
Phillips, 26, has played just 15 times in the Premier League this season due to a hamstring injury that saw him miss the entirety of the festive period.
Without him, Leeds have slumped down the table and are sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone with the final few games left to play.
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However, the club reportedly believe Phillips' injury has been a blessing in disguise. That's according to Manchester Evening News who have reported that Leeds are confident of retaining the England international because interested clubs won't be willing to pay their valuation of Phillips due to his injury.
With little game time under his belt over the past nine months, Leeds believe that no club will be willing to match their £60 million asking price for the midfielder.
Phillips made his first start since 5 December during Leeds' goalless draw with Crystal Palace on 25 April and it's understood that his lack of minutes could cost him a move away.
Aston Villa, West Ham and Newcastle are all linked with a move for Phillips, but it's Man Utd who are most keen and the most likely to make a serious attempt to sign the Euro 2020 star.
Manchester Evening News have previously reported that Man Utd are working on an offer for Phillips, although it remains to be seen if new head coach Erik ten Hag gives any potential move the go-ahead.
Given the fact Phillips has stood still for the majority of this season and that doubts will creep in about him becoming a potentially injury-prone player, Leeds believe he will stay at Elland Road until 2023 at least.
Will Phillips join Man Utd?
The most likely destination for Phillips, if he does leave Leeds, is Old Trafford. The Red Devils are reportedly prioritising a defensive midfielder and as such Declan Rice, Aurelien Tchouameni, Konrad Laimer and Boubacar Kamara have all been touted.
However, Phillips is a player the club have kept an eye on for a while, and Man Utd could try and test Leeds' resolve with a bid. Although it appears as though the Yorkshire club won't sell cheap which could be a game-changer.
