Dean Jones: New Kalvin Phillips Leeds United deal hinges on Marcelo Bielsa
Uncertainty over the future of Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is causing the delay in Kalvin Phillips signing a new contract, according to Eurosport journalist Dean Jones.
Comments from the players’ agent recently suggested that the player was pushing for a new deal, with Kevin Sharp apparently telling the club to (via The Sun) “honour their promise of a new contract for him which would then end any unsettling speculation about his future this summer”.
This came after the England midfielder was subject of a £55million transfer bid from West Ham during the January transfer window (Daily Mail).
But an improved deal has so far not materialised which transfer insider Jones believes is due to the lack of assurances over who will be leading the side next season.
He told GiveMeSport: “Kalvin Phillips, for sure, wants to know that before he has signed his new contract.
“I know that he’s having to tread very carefully about what he wants to do next.”
The big question
As with every year at Elland Road the major uncertainty as the end of the season approaches is always whether the Argentinian will stay.
The way the former Argentina and Chile boss operates is different from most, preferring to sign one-year deals, but the club has been so committed to him they have been happy to work this way.
Phil Hay wrote this week in The Athletic that the feeling was so mutual that there was never a realistic prospect of him not extending his deal.
After a troubled season this year however, arguably the first that has seen a regression of fortunes for the Whites during his tenure, things may be different.
He is now 66 and in the face of extensive injuries throughout the squad he has shunned the opportunity to bring in new faces and has made personnel decisions that have frustrated fans.
The Telegraph reported recently that the club had earmarked three replacements for the summer and the possibility seems more real this time than is has for a while.
Phillips is a boyhood Leeds supporter so losing Bielsa shouldn’t necessarily mean he follows him out of the club, but he would surely want to see a good succession plan at least.
In other Leeds United news, Brian Deane is worried about the way the boss has presided over the issues of this season.